Wilderness Navigation

The Tacoma Mountaineers wilderness navigation course is currently being taught in two parts which consist of an online classroom and field trip. To successfully complete the course and earn the Basic Navigation badge you must complete both parts.

The online classroom portion will cover map and compass usage.

The Field trip portion will reinforce the skills you learned in the online portion as well as give you a chance to use the skills you learned. There is also a final exam given during the field trip portion.

Things to Do:

Register for the Tacoma Wilderness Navigation Course and pay the course fee.

Register for the Online Map and Compass course

Register for the field trip

Obtain the required course materials and equipment as listed in the course “Required Equipment” and “Course Materials” tabs.

Student expectations:

Successfully complete the online course before the field trip. The online course information will be sent to student’s approximately  2.5 weeks prior to the field trip. Please make sure you have all the needed course materials on hand by this time. The online course may take up to ten hours or more to complete. Please budget time to do this course and do not wait till the last minute in an attempt to get it done.

The field trip will be at the Irish cabin property which is located just outside of the Carbon River entrance to Mt. Rainier national park. The field trip will proceed even in the event of inclement weather. Please be prepared to deal with outdoor travel and working in these conditions. For the field trip you will need the following equipment typical of any Mountaineers outing:

Field trip equipment:

A Mountaineers approved compass.

Sturdy hiking boots.

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 bag for map and handouts (gallon size).

Sharp pencil.

(optional) Clipboard.

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.