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Making an Outing Map

Making an Outing Map Version 2

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

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

• natgeomaps.com

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 

    • mountaineers.org

    • 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

    • Avenza Maps

• Sold at REI and through the Mountaineers

National Parks, Monuments and Scenic Byways

• National Park Service - Washington Map

• Olympic National Park

• Mount Rainier National Park

• North Cascades National Park

• Gifford Pinchot National Forest

• Mt. St. Helens National Volcano Monuments

State, County and Local Resources

• King County Trails

• State Parks and Recreation Commission

• State Department of Natural Resources

Digital and Interactive Maps

• USGS  

  • Most accurate and up-to-date geological maps and 3-D geologic frameworks

• U.S. Forest Service

  • Interactive visitors map that allows you to view Forest Service roads, trails, recreation sites, and wilderness areas

• Open Street Map 

  • Most up-to-date information on trails and roads worldwide

• CalTopo

  • 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

• GaiaGPS 

  • Allows you to download and use interactive maps while being deep in the forest 

  • WTA members get a discount

• AllTrails

• Washington State Department of Natural Resources

  • Selection of mobile-friendly maps available

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