Seattle Basic Navigation field trip at Heybrook Ridge.

The Basic Navigation field trip consists of a full day field trip at Heybrook Ridge. The day starts off with a brisk trail hike from a parking lot to the fire tower on the ridge (900 feet of elevation gain). That is followed by:

Taking bearings on stumps.

Doing a set of story problems with map and compass, using the same stumps.

Following a bearing cross-country (rugged off trail travel) for about 1/8 mile.

Triangulating your position using your map and the bearings to surrounding mountain peaks.

A hike farther up the ridge (several hundred more feet of elevation gain).

An extended cross country navigation exercise through rugged terrain (off trail travel) for about ¾ mile.

The exercise often occurs in good weather, but may be an even better (more realistic) learning experience in bad weather. The field trip goes rain or sleet or shine.

Details on the field trip are found at http://www.mountaineers.org/seattle/navigation/ and will be provided at the preceding workshops, which must be completed to be eligible for the field trip.

Students must carpool for the field trip because of very limited parking. Sign up as a rider or driver; if a driver, indicate how many passengers you can take. The Friday afternoon before the field trip the contact information for your riders or driver will be available online or through the sign-up line (206-521-6001) between 1:30 pm and 5 pm.

Remember, you must sign up and pay for the course before attending the workshop and field trip events.

Click here to sign-up and pay for the Basic Navigation Course.

Click here to choose a workshop.