Cache parameters

Basic infomation

Cache name

Each cache has a name. While several caches can have identical names, this should be avoided. Also, using non-specific names such as "A81 # 589", should be avoided. A cache name can be up to 60 characters long.

Cache size

Cache sizes for all caches that have a physical container.

Nano - pill-sized containers, very often magnetic
Micro - 35 mm film canister, bison tubes, etc., typically containing only a logbook
Small - decon container, sandwich-sized Tupperware-style container or similar, holds trade items as well as a logbook
Normal - standard lock-n-lock or similar containers
Large - larger lock-n-lock style containers or ammo cans
Very Large - 5 gallon bucket or larger

Cache type

Each cache has its type defined.

Traditional	This is the original cache type consisting, at a bare minimum, of a container and a log book. Normally you'll find a Tupperware style container, ammo box, or bucket filled with goodies, or smaller container (or micro cache) too small to contain items except for a log book. The coordinates listed on the traditional cache page are the exact location for the cache.
Multicache	A multi-cache ("multiple") involves two or more locations, the final location being a physical container. There are many variations, but most multi-caches have a hint to find the second cache, and the second cache has hints to the third, and so on. The coordinates indicate the location of the first stage only. An offset cache (where you go to a location and get hints to the actual cache) is also considered a multi-cache.
Puzzle	This form of cache can involve complicated puzzles you will first need to solve to determine the coordinates. The only commonality of this cache type is that the coordinates listed are not of the actual cache location but a related reference point, such as a nearby parking location. Some puzzles can be solved at home, while others (field puzzles) require you to visit the location and collect information needed to solve the puzzle.
Moving	A moving cache changes its location after each find. Everyone who finds it, moves it to a new location and publishes the new coordinates in its log in the service. Log a note of your intent to hunt for it so others know you going after it. If you find it and take it, please log your find quickly. If possible leave an indicator like an "X" on the ground in its place to signal to a following geocacher that it's gone. When you rehide it, please conceal it well and make sure your coordinates are accurate. When you post that you have rehidden it, please include the new coordinates and new difficulty/terrain rating. When you report the new location, please make a new entry (Post a Note) so owner cache receive an email message to alert them of the new position.
Other	All other caches, which do not fit to any category described above. This category includes several cache "types" that are denoted by special attributes, including Challenge Caches , Guestbook Caches , BIT Caches , Letterboxes , Benchmarks , MP3 Podcaches and Dead-Drop USB caches . We like to be "open" to new ideas and if something a member wants to do doesn't fit in one of the other cache types, we'll consider listing it as an Other-type cache.
Event	Occasionally, local geocachers and geocaching organizations designate a time and location to meet and discuss geocaching. After the event the caches of this type are archived. The coordinates indicate the location of the event. Event listings should allow a minimum of 7 days advance notice.
Webcam	These are caches that use existing web cameras. The idea is to get yourself in front of the camera to log your visit. You can eithercapture teh image from your smart phone or recruit a friend to look up teh website that displays the camera shot. You can then have them save the picture to log the cache.
Virtual	A virtual cache is a cache that exists in a form of a location only. The reward for these caches is the location itself and sharing information about your visit. In order to log a find, you need to convince the cache owner you've been at the spot indicated. This is often achieved by the use of a Log Password found at the site or by submitting a photo with your log.
Own Cache	This is a cache where the cacher is the cache or has the cache with him or her. In otherwords, a moving cache that stays with the cache owner. Typically the cache owner will bring this cache to events where other caches will have the opportunity to find the cache. On the cache page, a "Note" can be used to indicate whether the cache is moving or going to a specific location. Of this type of caches, no more than 1 cache can be created per account.

Cache types merged into the Other cache type The following cache types were merged into the Other cache type as part of a major website upgrades in 2019 and 2021, and to promote compatibility with third-party apps such as c:geo. Existing caches were converted to one of the above cache types with use of attributes where appropriate. We welcome new cache listings that match these styles, but please use one of the above cache types (and attributes) when creating the listing.

BIT Cache^TM	This is a playing card type containerless cache. Each game piece has a Log Password on it that is needed to log the find. The BIT Cache may also include a "QR" type code that can be scanned to quickly access the cache page for logging. Some BIT Caches are hidden within traditional containers. For more information on BIT caches see the BIT Cache wiki article.
Challenge	These are OCNA owned virtual caches where if the cacher has met the requirements for the cache they may be logged on the site. Individual caches require that the cacher meet some sort of goal or task such as finding a specified number of caches. These can be found on the Map of Caches in the Gulf of Mexico forming Geoart. Challenge caches are listed as Unknown cache type. Regular users are discouraged from creating challenge caches but compelling exception are considered on a case-by-case basis. Click Here to view the existing OCNA locationless challenge caches. For more information on Challenge Caches see the Challenge Cache wiki article
Guest Book	The Guest Book cache is a cache that shows the location of an existing guest book (or you can create a new one). The guest book should be open to the public so visitors can sign it. To log the cache, the guest book should be signed then record it here! For more information on Guest Books see the Guest Book wiki article.
MP3 (Podcast) Cache	Audio clues are recorded on an MP3 file that you can listen to for instructions. These can be posted online or provided in various formats and hidden at the intermediate stages of the cache. Listen to the clues, follow the directions and find the cache. When you find it, sign enclosed log book to document your success.
Dead Drop	The Dead Drop cache is a cache that is contained on a USB thumb drive. Traditionally, the USB drive is embedded into a wall to prevent theft, however, you can hide them in any appropriate manner. Though permission should always be obtained, it will need to be clearly and explicitly demonstrated if placing it in a wall or similar location. To log the cache, the user access the drive via a laptop and adds his/her name to the log test file contained on the USB drive. Your find is then recorded on this site in the usual manner. Seek AT YOUR OWN RISK, as with other potentially dangerous geocaches. If possible, you may want to keep an old, spare laptop available for Dead Drops that you could either reload or replace the system if you experience any problems from malware. There should only be two files on the USB drive when found. A text file with instructions and the log file. See the Dead Drop Wiki article.
Letterbox	The Letterbox is usually similar to a Multi-Cache where the initial stage provides clues or directions in various formats for the seeker to follow to the final container. However, there are many variants in letterboxing, and a letterbox cache might also be similar to a Traditional Cache, a Puzzle Cache, or an Other Cache. The final container includes a log book and a rubber stamp for logging. Many letterboxers have their own signature stamp. For more details about letterboxing and letterbox caches see the Letterbox wiki article
Benchmarks	Benchmarks are permanently mounted reference monuments used by surveyors, typically brass or bronze disks and tablets. For more details about Benchmarks see the Benchmarks wiki article

Coordinates

The coordinates denote the position of the cache (taken from GPS). If the coordinates do not indicate the precise position of the cache, all the information necessary to find it has to be included in the cache description.

Country

The country where the cache is placed.

Difficulty level

The level of difficulty of the task (mental challenge) and of the terrain (physical challenge), rated 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest). When applied to a Quiz Cache the mental challenge applies to puzzle difficulty as well as cache camouflage. Half bars (i.e. 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, etc.) are available for fine tuning the difficulty. An aid for determining the level of difficulty when listing a new cache can be found [here].

Mental challenge levels		Physical challenge levels
	The cache is in plain sight or there are only a few possible hiding spots. An experienced cacher could find it in less than 15 minutes.		Paved path or trail. Cache could be found and retrieved from a wheelchair.
	The cache is hidden from view and there are several possible hiding spots. An experienced cacher could find it in less than 15 minutes.		Well worn and marked trail to the cache site. May require stepping over knee-high brush. Hike is less than 1 mile with minor elevation change.
	The cache is well camofluaged with many places to look. May require more than an hour to find for an experienced cacher.		The cache is hidden along a marked trail with some bushwacking required to get to the site. Hike may be 2 miles or more with moderate elevation changes that could be navigated with a mountain bike.
	Very well hidden with many possible hiding spots. May take an experienced cache an full afternoon or multiple visits to locate.		Off trail hiking may be required to find the cache. The hike may be 10 miles or more and may require an overnight stay.
	Extremely difficult. May require specialized equipment or knowledge to find.		Requires specialized equipment to navigate to the cache (climbing gear, boat, snorkel, etc.) Do not attempt alone!

Time and distance to travel

The values on the distance (one way only) and the time necessary to find the cache (total). These values of course depend on external conditions and are optional. However they are often useful, particularly for Multicache and Event caches. If you provide them, please try to give reasonable estimates, otherwise it is best to enter zero (means no value given).

Cache attributes

The attributes allow to narrow the search criteria for a cache.

Fee Required	You will need to pay to have access to this cache. Usually a park admission fee, parking fee or similar.	Kid Friendly	A pleasant and secure search. The cache is safe for searching with children less than 6 years old.
Available in Winter	You should still be able to access this cache in the winter.	Poisonous Plants	The area is known to have poisonous plants. Cache seekers should take suitable precautions.
Snakes	The area is known to have snakes. Cache seekers should take suitable precautions.	Ticks	The area is known to have ticks. Cache seekers should take suitable precautions.
Dangerous	Searching can involve significant level of risk of injury or other dangers.	Wheelchair Access	The cache is accessible to those in a wheelchair.
Thorns	The area is known to have thorns. Cache seekers should take suitable precautions.	Stealth Required	The cache is in an urban environment and will require stealth to retrieve, sign, and return.
Flashlight Required	A flashlight is required to find this cache.	Big Rig Friendly	This cache is RV and trucker friendly! A safe, legal parking place for large vehicles is nearby.
Special Equipment Required	A non-standard piece of equipment is required - maybe a boat, rope etc. A small spade, a flashlight and a pair of gloves are considered to be standard equipment.	Night Cache	This cache uses special markers for locating the cache that are visible at night using a flashlight.
Garmin Chirp	The cache contains a Garmin Chirp device.	OCNA Only	Cache is listed exclusively on Opencaching North America
Letterbox	Cache letterbox with stamp. For more information see the Letterbox Cache wiki article. Please only use this attribute for Letterbox caches.	Compass Required	A compass is needed to help find place where the cache is hidden.
Quick Cache	Finding it should take no more than 15 minutes, including the access time (from the nearest parking space).	Hotel for Geocache Travelers	A cache that would be considered suitable for Travelers (Travel Bugs, Geocoins, Pathtags, etc). The cache size should be at least a size regular (ammo can), hidden at a location that is likely to get frequent cacher visits, and protected from muggles and the weather so the contents are not compromised.
Bring Your Own Pen	A pen or pencil is required to sign the log. Also known as BYOP.	Magnetic Holder	This cache is attached with a magnet.
MP3 / Podcache	Information required to find the cache is available as an MP3 file.	Offset Cache	Multiple steps are required to find the cache.
Dead Drop cache	For more information on Dead Drop caches see the Dead Drop Cache wiki article. Please only use this attribute for Dead Drop caches.	Survey Benchmark	The cache is (or is near) a Survey Benchmark. For more information on Benchmark Caches see the Benchmark Cache wiki article
In the Woods	The cache is placed in a wooded area.	Historic Site	The cache is placed at a historic site.
Munzee	The cache contains a Munzee. See www.Munzee.com for more information.	Advertisement	The cache contains commercial advertising and was likely placed by a business.
Limited Hours	Accessible during certain hours or days only. The details of the access restrictions and any fees should be listed in the cache description.	BIT Cache	For more information on BIT caches see the BIT Cache wiki article. Please only use this attribute for BIT caches
Guest Book cache	For more information on Guest Books see the Guest Book wiki article. Please only use this attribute for Guest Book caches	Challenge Cache	Challenge caches have specific geocaching-related tasks that must completed before logging the cache. For more information on Challenge Caches see the Challenge Cache wiki article. Please only use this attribute for Challenge Caches
Password Required	To log the find, a password is required. The password is contained in the cache container, or can be found at the cache location.

Description

Short description

Brief information on the location, terrain, altitude, etc. 120 characters max.

Full description

Details about the cache, including contents of the cache, what the container looks like, etc. You can be as brief or as detailed as you like. However all the information necessary to find the cache should be included in this section, together with all the potential dangers, associated with the quest.

Additional information

Enter any additional hints or spoiler information in this field. This information will be encrypted on the site until a geocacher clicks on a link to decrypt it, or decodes it on the trail. Text within brackets [like this] will not be encrypted. Please keep your hints short, so decoding it on the trail is easier. If you don't have a hint, leave it blank.

Additional waypoints

You can add additional waypoints for the cache after registering it. Upon creating your new cache, please edit the cache to add the waypoints. Please use to add waypoints for Parking, trailheads, etc.
For any cache with an "final" location (i.e. multicache, puzzle cache) you must add the coordinates for the final location (set as "Hidden") - the OCNA admins require this information in order to review the cache placement.

Other

Date hidden

The date you hid the cache. If the date is in future, the status of the cache is automatically set to "Temporary Not Available". You have to change it to "Ready to Search" the day that you hid the cache (does not apply to "event" type caches). For Events, please set the Date Hidden to be the Event Date

Publish

Set when to publish the cache to Opencaching.US. Select Publish Now to list the cache immediately. Select Publish Date and choose a date/time in the future to list the cache and the system will automatically list it for you then. Select Don't Publish Yet to save an unfinished cache listing while you develop its details.

Log password

A password is required to log the cache found. See the specific cache description for instructions from the hider for obtaining the password. Passwords are required for BITcaches(TM) and particularly useful for virtuals, but can also be used with other cache types. When hiding a cache that will not require a password, leave this field blank. Log Passwords are not case sensitive.

Images

The images are optional and can be uploaded only after the cache has been registered. Basically, a cache should be findable based on the text information only. Please try to be conservative with the number of images uploaded, one or two should be enough in most cases. The image file size is limited to 100KB.

MP3 files

The mp3 files are optional and can be uploaded only after the cache has been registered. Basically, a cache should be findable based on the text information only but for an MP3 cache, you can record information on how to find cache.