Celebrate Geocaching in Oregon – Blue Switch Day, May 2, 2000, is the day accurate GPS technology became available to everyone. It launched innovation and new technology that changed the world forever. It’s not a coincidence the first geocache was hidden the next day, and the game of geocaching was born!
Earn the Blue Switch Day Souvenir May 1 – 31, 2026
Geocaching in Oregon is nothing new as the game started here. On May 3 this game, once known as the “Great American GPS Stash Hunt’, celebrates its 23rd birthday with now over 3 million hides world wide. A little history lesson here, the full version can be read on the Geocaching.com website where I pulled this information.
“Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. Geocaching.com is the headquarters for the activity”
On May 3rd, 2000 a black bucket was placed in the woods near Beavercreek, Oregon, south of Portland. Along with a logbook and pencil, various items including videos, books, software, and a slingshot were left to trade. The waypoint of this “stash” were shared online and the “Great America Stash Hunt” was started.
That original bucket was severely damaged by an Oregon road crew mower and is no longer around. Concerned geocachers dedicated the Original Stash Tribute Plaque GCGV0P on behalf of cachers everywhere.
Find a geocache, Adventure Lab, or attend an event May 1st through May 31st and earn the Blue Switch Day souvenir
Earn a 2026 souvenir by finding or logging caches (and sometimes attending/hosting events) during the respective date range:
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Unboxing 2026 — January 1–8, 2026
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Cache In Trash Out® (Season 1) — March 1–May 31, 2026
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Pi-Day 2026 — March 13–15, 2026.
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March Equinox — March 20–22, 2026
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Blue Switch Day (Finder) — May 2–4, 2026
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Blue Switch Day Hider — May 1–31, 2026
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June Solstice — June 20–22, 2026
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International Geocaching Day (Finder) — August 14–16, 2026
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International Geocaching Day Hider — August 1–30, 2026
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September Equinox — September 19–22, 2026
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Cache In Trash Out® (Season 2) — September 1–November 30, 2026
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World Postcard Day — September 27–October 3, 2026
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International EarthCache Day — October 9–11, 2026
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Adventure Day — November 25–29, 2026
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December Solstice — December 19–21, 2026
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Farewell 2026 — December 24–31, 2026
Many innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are avid cachers and you’re sure to find many caches near their inn when doing a search.
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
Gift certificates are no longer available for purchase through our organization. We encourage you to contact our member inns directly to purchase gift certificates.
If You Currently Hold an OAII or OBBG Gift Certificate:
- Your gift certificate does not expire
- Certificates may be redeemed at participating Oregon Association of Independent Inns properties.
Thank you for supporting Oregon’s Independent Inns and lodging properties over the years. We’re grateful to everyone who has shared the gift of lodging through the OAII Lodging Gift Voucher Program.
As of June 1, 2026, the Oregon Association of Independent (formerly the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild – OBBG) discontinued the program, and gift certificates are no longer available for sale. However, existing gift certificates remain valid and may still be redeemed.
The Oregon Association offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or dude ranch. If you need assistance locating a participating property or have difficulty redeeming your certificate, please contact us—we’re happy to help.
Important Notes:
- All OAII properties accept association gift certificates. Click here to view participating properties.
- Gift certificates are treated as cash and cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed.
- Certificates may only be redeemed at active OAII properties
- Individual property policies apply, including restrictions on availability, packages, or special offers.
Questions or Assistance:
If you have questions about redeeming a gift certificate or need help planning your stay, please contact E-mail info@obbg.org or call OAII at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
