Find your way through the forest
Map, compass and the Pacific Northwest woods: how orienteering works, where beginners start, and what the festival, trim courses and regional clubs are about.
New to orienteering?
Read the map before you run.
Find the controls in order.
Trim courses in local parks let you practise at your own pace - no start time, no pressure.
Common questions
What is orienteering?
A competitive sport that combines racing with navigation: you find a series of controls in the terrain using only a map and a compass. Read more
How do beginners get started?
Join a local meet or a festival event. Clubs publish how to get started, and a trim course is a relaxed way to practise. Read more
What does orienteering train?
Strength and endurance - but just as much planning, map reading and quick decisions under pressure. Read more
Are there downsides?
It is physically demanding, and the wish to win can push safety to the back of the mind. Knowing your limits matters. Read more
Orienteering as community service
Clubs across the region run guiding and support activities for people of all ages - volunteers welcome.
More to read
A five-day multi-sport festival that sets new, harder challenges every year for volunteers and organisers.
Cascade, CTOC, EWOC, CROC and SAMM are among the clubs behind the Pacific Northwest events.
Rules, upcoming events and club news are posted online - but ask the club for the best path to take.
More than fitness: the sport builds strategy, decision-making and personal development.
Speed and competition can crowd out caution. What to keep in mind.
Guiding and support activities for all ages, run by clubs and volunteers.