Clinic
Bushwhacking Navigation - Heybrook Ridge From Lewis Creek Road
Sharpen your off-trail (bushwhacking) skills along this 5 mile course. Practice accurately navigating through dense vegetation and other terrain obstacles.
Contacts
- Sun, Jun 7, 2026
- Seattle Navigation Committee
- Navigation
- All Who Qualify, Adults
- Moderate
- Mileage: 4.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
- $50.00 $65.00
- 6 (6 capacity)
- 5 (6 capacity)
- Tue, Mar 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM
- Fri, Jun 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- iCal Google
A Basic Navigation badge, and a mirrored compass are required to attend. This course will include situational awareness, terrain recognition, 500 meter bushwhacking exercises, 250-300 meter off-trail 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: Students arrive 8:00am, Instructors 7:30am
Meet Location: Meet at the giant saw blade in Doolittle Pioneer Park, Index WA.
Please note that the Mountaineers does not arrange carpooling. Use https://www.groupcarpool.com to set up your own carpool.
WGS84 UTM Zone 10T 608198E 5297323N
47.82017, -121.55457
Required Equipment
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 phone is okay), Smartphone with Caltopo or Gaia GPS (with backup power), headlamp, whistle, pencil and Rite in the Rain paper for notes.