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Advanced Off-Trail Navigation

Clinic

Advanced Off-Trail Navigation - Heybrook Ridge

Sharpen your off-trail (bushwhacking) skills along this 5 mile course. Practice accurately navigating through dense vegetation and other terrain obstacles.

Contacts

Otto Greule
Otto Greule
Primary Leader
Qualified Youth Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 5.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 1,900 ft

A Basic Navigation badge, and a mirrored compass are required to attend. All maps will be issued at the trailhead. This course will include pre-trip planning, situational awareness, terrain recognition, 500 meter bushwhacking exercises, 250-300 meter Labyrinth exercises, altimeter and GPS use, and how to get the most out of a mirrored compass. Practice using the UTM grid to quickly estimate distance, then visually comparing that estimate to the terrain.

The off-trail difficulty rating for this course is moderate, and will vary depending on the time of year, foliage density, and water levels. Steepness is low, however you will encounter some dense vegetation and other terrain obstacles. This will require you to occasionally use both hands for balance, and to test where you are stepping. You'll need to be in reasonable physical condition as the elevation gain is about 1200 feet.

Meet time: 8:00am

Meet Location: Meet at the giant saw blade in Doolittle Pioneer Park, Index WA.

WGS84 UTM Zone 10T 608198E 5297323N

47.82017, -121.55457

Route/Place

Heybrook Lookout & Ridge


  • USGS Baring
    USGS Index
    Green Trails Index No. 142
    Green Trails Alpine Lakes West (Stevens Pass) No. 176S
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

All maps will be issued at the trailhead, you are not required to purchase or print any maps. Come prepared as you would for a scramble or hike in varied weather. Bring over-the-ankle high-top boots, a waterproof outer layer, warm clothes in layers, protective eyewear, thick gloves, food, water. Bring a barometric altimeter (AltimeterPlus app for smartphone is okay), smartphone with Gaia GPS with backup power, headlamp, whistle, pencil and paper for notes.

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