Woodgate Wetlands Cache

WOODGATE WETLANDS CACHE is located just outside the boundaries of a little pocket-sized piece of State Wildlife Land about three miles from downtown Montrose. Less than a quarter-mile off a major highway, this hidden little (State stocked)"fishin' hole" is one of Montrose's best kept secrets!

CACHE: Container is (approximately) 3"x 3"x 6" camoflaged tupperware-type. The cache is NOT inside the wildlife area. No permit is needed to access the cache. Parking for about 2 to 3 vehicles is available along the road. (No designated parking lot.) Closest public parking for large trucks, motorhomes or vehicles with trailers would be along the frontage road of the nearby highway.

WOODGATE WETLANDS WILDLIFE AREA: This quietly hidden wildlife area is bounded by the Uncompahgre River on three sides and Woodgate Road on the final side. Private property surrounds this tiny public area. About 5 acres in size, the only access is through two walk-in wye-gates in the fence. A parking lot is not provided although about 2 to 3 vehicles can park off the edge of the roadway as well as on the gravel area at the service-road gate. This is a busy road, so park carefully. Please respect private property. ALL surrounding gravel roads are private except paved Woodgate Road and the single marked gated service entrance close to the cache. DO NOT block or park in private driveways or other private gated roadways.

SOD-ROOFED LOG CABIN: Be sure to walk to the northern end of the park fence (coordinates N 38:25.522 at W 107:51.101 to view the carefully restored sod-roofed log cabin (privately owned and on private property so please view only from the roadside). The sod-roof boasts a rainbow of colorful wildflowers in the spring!!

STATE STOCKED FISHING: The Woodgate Wetlands area is open to fishing (with fishing license) and like all other Colorado Department of Wildlife lands (as of Jan 1, 2006), requires a "Habitat Stamp" (aka Habitat License) to enter. The Uncompahgre River is state stocked and open fishing is permiteed to the center of the river (please keep off of the tiny island which is private land). Dogs are permitted on leash. The area is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs (though the CACHE itself is Wheelchair accessable!!!).

HISTORY OF THE WETLAND PARCEL: This tiny wetland area was acquired by the Colorado Department of Transportation in exchange for a similar piece of wetland that had to be destroyed during the construction and straightening of the nearby State Highway. The wetland has been administered by the Colorado Dept of Wildlife as a fishing area for many years.

ENJOY THE LOCATION!!!