Trapper's cache

A trapper's cache is a hole or small structure used to conceal and protect supplies so that they can be retrieved later.^[1] Caches were used by trappers in the North American fur trade to conceal supplies for the trapping season and to store pelts in preparation for the return trip.^[1]

Construction of a trapper's cache

Utah caches were concealed holes.^[1] Captain Meriwether Lewis, on June 9, 1805, described finding a hidden place, digging a hole, and making a concealed cover.^[2]

In northern areas caches were instead small sheds elevated on legs, to keep food and pelts out of reach of sled dogs, bears, and wolverines.^[3]

References

1 2 3 The Utah Journey. Gibbs Smith. pp. 73–. ISBN 978-1-4236-2384-7.
↑ Meriwether Lewis; William Clark (1815). Travels of the Source of the Missouri River and Across the American Continent to the Pacific Ocean: Performed by Order of the Government of the United States, in the Years 1804, 1805, and 1806. Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown. pp. 350–.
↑ "Tall caches in Yukon country". National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-08-28.

[v327-1] 1 2 3 The Utah Journey. Gibbs Smith. pp. 73–. ISBN 978-1-4236-2384-7.

[LewisClark18153-2] Meriwether Lewis; William Clark (1815). Travels of the Source of the Missouri River and Across the American Continent to the Pacific Ocean: Performed by Order of the Government of the United States, in the Years 1804, 1805, and 1806. Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown. pp. 350–.

[3] "Tall caches in Yukon country". National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-08-28.

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