Map
Navigation Gear
A skill and gear that is often overlooked is the Map and Compass. This is a vital skill for most outdoor activities that take you more than a mile away from the parking lot.
ALL Scouts and Adults leaders should have both a Map and Compass on them on outings and know how to use them.
Map Protractor
A Map Protractor allows for precise measurement of angles on a map. For certain tasks, this tool is a required.
For Backpacking and most Scout type outings, we can get away with using a Baseplate Compass, which can serve as an adequate Map Protractor for short distance measurements. Trying to measure angles with a compass with a metal or opaque plastic case is going to be far less accurate.
Map
You MUST have a map when going on an outing! Groups will sometimes separate, intestinally or otherwise, and sometimes the plan changes. A simple route the group has traveled on main times before can be disrupted by weather, washed out trails, and wildfires. Unplanned emergencies may require you to take a shortcut or move to a different location, such as a ranger station or landing zone for a helicopter. You MUST have a map to allow for flexibility and more importantly for Safety!
Keep your map in a freezer bag or a dedicated map case to protect it from the elements.
Getting a map isn't all that hard now adays. Reasonable maps can be downloaded and printed out. Custom maps can be made with basic mapping tools and subscription services.
USGS Maps
Basic maps for trip planning
https://apps.nationalmap.gov/downloader/#/maps - Basic downloadable USGS Maps
viewer.nationalmap.gov/basic - Basic downloadable USGS Maps
natgeomaps.com/trail-maps/pdf-quads - USGS Maps in nice format
US Forestry Service Maps
Similar to USGS Maps - but with forestry information such as camps
data.fs.usda.gov/geodata/rastergateway/states-regions/states.php
Can also be purchased at Ranger Stations
Avalanche Slopes
caltopo.com/m/4M3E - Mapping tool with many features - such as Avalanche Slope Overlays
Vital tool for winter travel planning
AllTrails
Excellent commercial mapping service
Catalog of thousands of hiking trails
Allows you to map out your own routes and print out what you want to the scale you want
alltrails.com - a pro account or some tech savviness is needed to print out maps
Google Maps
Not the best tool for most applications but has GREAT utility and is free
Easy to access by just about anyone
Great for mapping out car routes
You can easily download an offline map of the entire state of Washington for use without cell reception
Satellite views have great utility when planning out outings
Google Earth allows to see terrain in 3-D from different angles
National Geographics - Trails Illustrated
Printed on waterproof, tear-resistant material with a plastic coating
Cover large areas such as entire National Parks
Generally not detailed enough for route-finding
Green Trails Maps
Seattle based mapping company
These have been the go to maps for the Pacific Northwest since the 1970s.
Nice maps, but less popular now that people are using GPS and phones to navigate more and more
Maps come in several formats
Printed
CLASSIC MAPS
12 x 18 (half-folded flat, unless otherwise requested), 15-minute coverage, paper
S MAPS
18 x 24 (folded 6 x 9), waterproof, tear-resistant, ultralight
SX MAPS
22.5 x 30 (folded 6 x 9) 60% more covered area than Classic maps, waterproof, tear-resistant, ultralight
Digital
Sold at REI and through the Mountaineers
National Parks, Monuments and Scenic Byways
State, County and Local Resources
Digital and Interactive Maps
Most accurate and up-to-date geological maps and 3-D geologic frameworks
Interactive visitors map that allows you to view Forest Service roads, trails, recreation sites, and wilderness areas
Most up-to-date information on trails and roads worldwide
Excellent trip planning tool with high-quality maps
USGS and USFS topos
Avalanche area overlays
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
Interactive map highlighting all the trails across the state of Washington
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Selection of mobile-friendly maps available
Mapping Apps for Phones
These are great, especially with a GPS feature
Scouts should still have a Paper Map as a backup and for skill building
Allows you to download and use interactive maps while being deep in the forest
WTA members get a discount
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Selection of mobile-friendly maps available
These maps all show the Schafer Lake Trail. Zoom in to see detail between:
USGS Map
AllTrails Map
National Geographics USGS Map
The USGS has the most detail. It it more challenging to print out exactly what you need but printing out your "Curent View" isn't that hard, and scale can be tweaked as needed.
The AllTrails Map is customizable. It is the easest to print and share.
The National Geographics map is easy to assemble, but the scale is smaller than the USGS map (needed to fix 7.5 minute map on 4 sheets of paper).
Land Manager
It can get confusing trying to determine who manages the area you wish to visit. This is vital information as special permits, restrictions and passes may be required. The following tool will help you determine who the Land Manger is.
Bureau of Land Management
Administrative Boundaries Map - use to find land manager