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.
- Micro - includes "nano", 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, a container and a log book. Normally you'll find a Tupperware container, ammo box, or bucket filled with goodies, or smaller container ("micro cache") too small to contain items except for a log book. The coordinates listed on the traditional cache page is 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 cache only. An offset cache (where you go to a location and get hints to the actual cache) is considered a multi-cache. |
Quiz |
The catch-all of cache types, 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. | 
Moving |
A moving cache changes its location after each find. Everyone who found 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 of the new position. |
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 locating a password found at the site or by submitting a photo with your log. | 
Webcam |
These are caches that use existing web cameras. The idea is to get yourself in front of the camera to log your visit. The challenging part, however, is that you need to call a friend to look up the web site that displays the camera shot. You will need to have them to save the picture to log the cache. If you are a tech-head you could use your wireless modem and save the image yourself on your laptop. |
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. | 
MP3 (Podcast) Cache |
A PodCast cache is a geeky / techy fun “game” of treasure hiding and finding. Small containers are hidden for you to find. Audio clues are recorded on an MP3 file that you can listen to with an MP3 player. Listen to the clues, follow the directions and find the “treasure chest”. When you find it, sign the enclosed log book to document your success!!! |
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! See the Wiki article. | 
Unknown |
All other caches, which do not fit to any category described above. |
Dead Drop |
The Dead Drop cache is a cache that is contained on a USB thumb drive. The USB drive is usually embedded into a wall to prevent theft. To log the cache, the user accesses the drive via a laptop and adds his/her name to the log text file contained on the USB drive. Your find is then recorded on this site. See the Wiki article. | 
BIT CacheTM |
This is a playing card type paperless cache. Each game piece has a serial number on it and this is also the password needed to log the find. See www.BITcaching.com |
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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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. | 
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Paved path or trail. Cache could be found and retrieved from a wheelchair. |
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The cache is hidden from view and there are several possible hiding spots. An experienced cacher could find it in less than 15 minutes. | 
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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. |
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The cache is well camofluaged with many places to look. May require more than an hour to find for an experienced cacher. | 
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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. |
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Very well hidden with many possible hiding spots. May take an experienced cache an full afternoon or multiple visits to locate. | 
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Off trail hiking may be required to find the cache. The hike may be 10 miles or more and may require an overnight stay. |
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Extremely difficult. May require specialized equipment or knowledge to find. | 
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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.
Quick Cache |
Finding it should take no more than 15 minutes, including the access time (from the nearest parking space). | 
Kid Friendly |
A pleasant and secure search. The cache is safe for searching with children less than 6 years old. |
Big Rig Friendly |
This cache is RV and trucker friendly! A safe, legal parking place for large vehicles is nearby. | 
Fee Required |
You will need to pay to have access to this cache. Usually a park admission fee, parking fee or similar. |
Wheelchair Access |
The cache is accessible to those in a wheelchair. | 
Compass Required |
A compass is needed to help find place where the cache is hidden. |
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. |
Available in Winter |
You should still be able to access this cache in the winter. | 
Offset Cache |
Multiple steps are required to find the cache. |
In the Woods |
The cache is placed in a wooded area. | 
Historic Site |
The cache is placed at a historic site. |
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. | 
Letterbox |
Cache letterbox with stamp. |
Flashlight Required |
A flashlight is required to find this cache. | 
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. |
Dangerous |
Searching can involve significant level of risk of injury or other dangers. | 
Night Cache |
This cache uses special markers for locating the cache that are visible at night using a flashlight. |
OCNA Only |
Cache is listed exclusively on Opencaching North America | 
Stealth Required |
The cache is in an urban environment and will require stealth to retrieve, sign, and return. |
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. | 
Password Required |
To log the find, a password is required. The password is contained in the cache. |
Ticks |
The area is known to have ticks. Cache seekers should take suitable precautions. | 
Snakes |
The area is known to have snakes. Cache seekers should take suitable precautions. |
Thorns |
The area is known to have thorns. Cache seekers should take suitable precautions. | 
Garmin Chirp |
The cache contains a Garmin Chirp device. |
Poisonous Plants |
The area is known to have poisonous plants. Cache seekers should take suitable precautions. | 
US Benchmark |
The cache is a US Benchmark. See Wikipedia.org |
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. |
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.
Other
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).
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.
