Wilderness Navigation

• Lecture - Saturday October 29, 2016 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Tacoma Mountaineers Program Center 2302 N 30th St, Tacoma, WA 98403
• Field trip - Sunday October 30, 2016 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM at Irish Cabin Property 35415 Fairfax Forest Reserve Rd E, Carbonado, WA 98323

Navigating through the wilderness, without getting lost, is a skill that can save your life...

Have you have ever wanted to learn how to use a map and compass? Well, you have come to the right place. No prior map and compass experience necessary - we'll teach you what you need to know! This is a stand-alone course where you can learn the basics of navigation in a safe and fun atmosphere. This course consists of one four hour lecture (Saturday), and one full day field trip (Sunday) at the Mountaineers property located just outside the beautiful Mount Rainier National Park and Carbon River Ranger Station. (Students aged under 18 must have parental permission)

During this course you'll learn to:

• Use a map and compass to determine your location and desired direction of travel;
• Read a topographic map;
• Take and follow a bearing in the field;
• Measure and plot a bearing on a map;
• Do map orientation and feature identification related to your surroundings;
• Navigate while travelling cross-country through challenging terrain.

Required compass:

You will need a Mountaineers approved compass. Please read this prior to purchasing a compass: Compass Requirements

Students need a compass with a screw type adjustable declination. Tool-less / key-less models will bring you nothing but grief.

Every student must have their own compass; sharing won't work in our class structure.

Workshop materials:

• A Mountaineers approved compass.
• A Textbook:
  Wilderness Navigation, 3rd edition, Burns & Burns (eBooks are acceptable!)
  - or -
  Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 8th Edition
  (Actually read the book prior to attending the workshop.)
• Complete the Pre-workshop Assignment prior to the first lecture (link is in Navigation Course Manual).
• Sharp pencil.
• (optional) Paper to take notes with.
• (optional) Ruler.
• Map will be provided to students at the workshop, USGS Chikamin Peak. Yours to keep!

Field trip equipment:

• A Mountaineers approved compass.
• Sturdy hiking boots.
• Serious rain gear and extra warm clothing, including hat and gloves.
• The Ten Essentials.
• Lunch, extra food and at least 2 liters of water.
• Zip lock bags for maps and handouts (gallon size or bigger).
• Sharp pencil.
• (optional) Paper to take notes with.
• No cotton clothing. Wear jeans & tennis shoes, and you can expect to be sent home or spend the day in the parking area.
• There isn't a definite end time. Everyone stays until the last student safely returns to the parking area for final head count. No exceptions.

Students who complete this course will receive a Navigation card valid for 3 years.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Declination: NOAA Declination Calculator

Declination: CIRES Declination Calculator

Maps: The USGS Store

Maps: Green Trails Maps

Weather: NOAA Weather Service