Field trip: Wilderness Navigation Course
Navigation Activity (4 of 4) - Field Trip: Students & Instructors - Raging River State Forest
Wilderness Navigation Field Trip - Students and instructors
- Sat, Oct 16, 2021
- Foothills Navigation Committee
- Navigation
- Adults
- Easy
- 7 (36 capacity)
- 2 (14 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
TBD
Before you can sign up for this Field Trip as a student, you must have signed up and paid for the "Wilderness Navigation Course - Foothills" have scheduled the following prerequisite components:
- Online Map & Compass
- Online GPS
- Online Workshop
All three components must be finished before the field trip. Instructors do not pay a course fee.
Summary
This is a full day event at the Raging River site near the intersection i-90 and State Hwy 18.
Difficulty
During the Field Trip, students will be required to hike through an off-trail section of the forest. The terrain is fairly steep in a few locations. There are fallen trees you must climb over, brush you must push through and a stream to cross. Most students find this lots of fun, but some with limited agility may find it difficult. NOTE: The whole point of this course is "off-trail navigation". So we go off trail!
Students should be prepared to spend the day in the woods in the rain or sometimes snow.
Checklist
- You'll need to be in reasonable physical condition since you'll be gaining about 800 ft of elevation and 4.0 miles of hiking (0.5+ miles being off trail).
- Bring the Required Equipment. Come prepared as you would for a scramble or hike in varied weather, but please leave the technical gear (helmet, ice axe, etc) at home. Bring over-the-ankle high-top boots, a waterproof outer layer, warm clothes in layers, the 10 essentials, lunch, etc. The Course Materials and Required Equipment tabs provide more information.
- All materials (maps, exercises, ziplock bags, etc.) will be provided at the trail head.
- Bring your compass. Unfortunately you can't share a compass with someone during the Field Trip.
- Smartphone with Gaia GPS installed with a downloaded map of the site. Directions on loading the map will be provided in your "Hello Navigators - Field Trip" email. Ensure that your device is checked and ready e.g. fully charged battery, screen works, weather proofing etc.
- Standalone altimeter (calibrated at the trailhead) or smartphone altitude function within Gaia GPS.
- Bring a sharp pencil(s). A Rite in the Rain waterproof notebook could be handy but not required.
- Current declination set on the compass and confirmed.
- An understanding of emergency communications procedures and devices are understood.
- Emergency communications device on hand (minimum whistle)
Instructors
Come prepared to instruct students who likely have a wide range of experience:
- Review your "Instructor Field Trip" packet a link will be provided. Hard copies will be provided at the field trip.
- Bring your compass, GPS and Altimeter.