Seattle Wilderness Navigation Equivalency

Wilderness Navigation Equivalency is an opportunity for members who are experienced in the outdoors to gain the Wilderness Navigation (Basic Navigation) badge. The Wilderness Navigation Course is a requirement for many other Mountaineers programs.

NOTE: Graduates of the Wilderness Navigation Course whose badges have expired can follow the Wilderness Navigation Rebadge process.

NOTE: You will be required to instruct students at both an In-Person Workshop and Field Trip. Preparation time, which includes instructor training, may be significant and will depend on your prior knowledge of navigation and course content. Instructor training is a weekend event, from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM in Seattle.

How to Apply

It's a multi-step process.

1. Read the Seattle Wilderness Navigation Course description carefully.
2. Submit an application to the Seattle Equivalency Lead  (Click here to apply) .
3. You will be contacted to schedule a time to discuss your experience and see if you qualify.
4. Confirmation of your experience will include approval to register for the Wilderness Navigation Equivalency course.
5. Complete Instructor Training.
6. Assist as an instructor in one In-Person Wilderness Navigation Workshop. This is a weekend event from about 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM in Seattle.
7. Assist as an instructor in one Wilderness Navigation Field Trip. This is a weekend day-trip from about 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM in Seattle.

Equivalency Skills:

The equivalency skills include the ability to:

• Identify terrain and cultural features and other information on a map.
• Describe declination. 
• Identify elevation using contour lines.
• Use a compass to Measure and Plot bearings on a map.
• Use a compass to Take and Follow a bearing in the field.
• Identify your position using information from a combination of tools (map, compass, altimeter, GPS)
• Describe other navigation techniques (aiming off, navigating around an obstruction, handrails, etc).
• Understand the basics (and limits) of GPS use, waypoints, routes and tracks
• Measure and Plot coordinates using the UTM coordinate system.
• Describe tools and methods involved in trip planning.