NGC 3686 is found in the tail of Leo among a fine quartet of spiral galaxies. NGCs 3681, 3684, 3686 and 3691 are presented in the sketch at left, which captures an 82X view in my 10-inch Newonian. These galaxies range from magnitude 11.2 to 11.8 in brightness with three of the four are arranged along a northeast-to-southwest line. All present an oval profile with NGC 3686 covering a 3'x2' area. An 11th magnitude GSC star stands sentry along the galaxy's northern edge. You'll find 11.3 magnitude NGC 3686 and his siblings 3.5 degrees northeast of 3.3 magnitude Chort.