GeoCaching is a fun outdoor activity in which participants use a GPS receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers called geocaches (or caches) anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing items for trading.

Currently, there are over 4000 geocaches in and around Redding!

To participate in finding a few of these hidden treasures, simply log on to www.geocaching.com and register for a free membership, click 'Hide and Seek a Cache,' enter Redding's primary postal code 96001, and click 'search.'

The resulting geocaches are listed in order by the distance from Redding. Click on a geocache to obtain more information about it, including the difficulty rating (how hard to find), the terrain rating (how steep/thick/rocky the surrounding landscape), the original cache contents, and more. This information is helpful if, for example, you would like to take your children to find a geochache. Click here for a description of some of the symbols you will see in your list of available geocaches. When you have selected a geocache (be sure to read any included clues and take heed of entries in the Cache Log by previous adventurers), enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS device and begin your GeoCache Adventure!

GeoCaching is a great way to explore any area when you are traveling. Thanks to our diverse landscape, abundant foliage, and beautiful scenery, this is especially true in far northern California! GeoCaches can range from collections of plastic animals, to collectors pins, t-shirts, other fun trinkets, and even small amounts of cash or collectors coins. The idea is to find a cache and trade something you have for one, single item that you take from the cache. Once you have done this, it is expected that you will sign the log book (in the cache) and also log into the Cache log online to add your comments and photos, if applicable.

Following are a few tips as well as etiquette/rules of conduct that you should read before you go:

• Mark your car as a waypoint to ensure your safe return.
• Be mindful of the environment--practice Cache In Trash Out and Tread Lightly guidelines.
• For safety, let someone know where you are going.
• Don't forget extra batteries for your GPS.
• If you take something from the geocache, leave something of equal or greater value.
• Write about your experience in the geocache logbook.
• Explosives, ammunition, knives, drugs and alcohol should never be placed in a cache. Food items are also a bad idea, since animals will often dig up and destroy the cache.
• Never move a cache from its original location.
• The geocaching community has decided on Channel 2 as the primary FRS/PMR channel for communicating with other geocachers on long distance walkie talkies like the Motorola Talkabout. Channel 12 is the alternate FRS and channel 8 is the alternate PMR.

Click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Geocaching.