How do I learn to orienteer?

Start by taking a free 10-minute beginner's clinic at any of our events, and then do a beginner's course. If or when that course proves to be too easy, ask about what you need to know for the next level of course and do that course at another event.

How long are orienteering courses?

At each event, we have courses of different lengths. For our score events, the course lengths are as far as you can run and find control flags in 1-, 2-, or 3- hours without returning late. For our line courses, the beginner courses are typically 2-3 km long (as the crow flies, not the route you end up running) and the longest advanced course might be 7-10 km as the crow flies. Because you will probably run further than the crow flies, you can expect to run at least the same number of miles as the course is rated in kilometers. Remember that advanced courses involve running in nature, so that means climbing over rocks, tree trunks, etc. A 5 km course is tougher than running a 5 mile street race.

How do I use a map to find the control flags?

We show you how to do that in the beginner clinics. You can also ask us that at any event and we can quickly show you how to use your compass to orient the map to magnetic north and then read the map features to know where to go.

If I'm an experienced runner doing long races, do I really need to start with a beginner's course?

That depends on your ability to navigate with a map and compass. To play it safe, start with a beginner course and work your way up. If you are really good with navigation, perhaps start with an advanced beginner or intermediate course (typically not recommended) after talking with one of our organizers to be sure you are ready for that.

How often does Mt Hood Orienteering have events?

Currently, we have events of all sorts about once a month. If more people like you join us, we can use the additional volunteers to host more events each month.

Should I join the Mt Hood Orienteering club?

That's up to you. As a member, you get discounts at all Mt Hood Orienteering events, a newsletter that keeps you up to date with everything happening with the club and its events, and it means that you can (if available) help us host events or make maps (we show you how to do everything that you are willing to do). Your membership also gets you discounts at orienteering events hosted by other clubs.

Why should I orienteer instead of street or trail racing?

Who says that you should restrict your fun. Orienteers do all sorts of running in other races, but with orienteering events they see parks in ways nobody else sees them because they are able to go off trail.

Does orienteering harm the environment?

No, studies have shown that each orienteer typically chooses a different route to each control site, which means that new trail are not made. If events happen in grassy areas, grasses might be trampled down but they quickly recover with a little sunlight and rain. Animals typically hear orienteers long before orienteers would typically hear them and they move away out of sight. For all of our events, we have to have permits from the land owners or managers (typically park rangers) who go over our plans to make sure that we leave each venue as we find it when our event ends. Most rangers actually welcome our events because they leave no damage but they increase public love for their parks.

Can I orienteer with others?

Yes, very often beginners or intermediate orienteers feel more comfortable orienteering with friends or family. If that is what it takes to get you to do a course at one of our events, bring your friends or family with you on your course, but know that the group has to stay together at all times while doing the course (you cannot split up to look for controls). If you compete in a championship or for national ranking, you will need to compete individually, but at any other event you can compete with a team.

Silver Falls State Park Orienteering Event

From Mt Hood Orienteering

Sunday, June 29, 2025 Past event

10:00 AM PDT

Silverton, Oregon

$16.00–$23.00 · 7 races

5km, 10km

Event summary

Get ready for an exciting day of adventure at the Silver Falls State Park Orienteering Event, hosted by Mt Hood Orienteering on Sunday, June 29th, 2025, in the scenic town of Silverton, Marion. This thrilling outdoor challenge invites participants to harness their navigational skills using a map and compass to locate flags at various mapped locations, all while racing against the clock to finish as fast as possible.

With seven diverse course options ranging from short-beginner trails to very-long advanced routes that take you off the beaten path, there's something for everyone, whether you're a novice looking to learn or an experienced competitor seeking a challenge. If you're new to orienteering, take advantage of the beginner's clinic offered before embarking on your first course with family and friends. As you hone your skills, you might even find yourself competing in future regional, national, or international events! Join us for an unforgettable day filled with breathtaking landscapes, beautiful maps, and camaraderie among fellow competitors. Don't miss this chance to explore the great outdoors while developing your orienteering skills!

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Races

Silver Falls White Course

Beginners ~3.0 km

$16.00

Entries closed
Silver Falls Yellow course

Advanced beginners ~3.5 km

$16.00

Entries closed
Silver Falls Orange Course

Intermediate course ~3.8 km

$18.00

Entries closed
Silver Falls Brown Course

Short Advanced course ~4 km

$20.00

Entries closed
Silver Falls Green Course

Medium-Distance Advanced Course ~4.5 km

$20.00

Entries closed
Silver Falls Red Course

Long Advanced Course ~5-7 km

$23.00

Entries closed
Silver Falls Blue Course

Very Long Advanced Course ~8-10 km

$23.00

Entries closed

Organiser's description

Use a map and compass to find flags at mapped locations, and then run to finish as fast as possible. You choose one of seven courses that best challenges your developing navigational skills from short-beginner (on trails) to very-long advanced (off trail in challenging areas). If you are a new orienteer, take a beginner's clinic before doing a beginner's course by yourself or with family/friends. As you develop your skills, graduate to more advanced courses and possibly compete individually within your gender/age group at regional, national, or international events. The adventures are incredible, the maps are beautiful, and experiences shared with other competitors are remembered forever.

Location

Silver Falls Dr SE, Silverton, OR 97381, United States

Mt Hood Orienteering

We provide exciting urban and backwoods navigation races in which competitors use a map and compass to find various mapped sites as quickly as possible. We offer multiple courses for different skill and endurance levels from short-distance beginners to long-distance advanced orienteers. Beginner clinics and navigation training is available for anyone ready for their next level of challenge. This a great way to enjoy and explore the outdoors in urban and backwoods environments.

On Find a Race

Since 2025

Events 6

Silver Falls State Park Orienteering Event

This event has taken place

Reviews

Races

Silver Falls White Course

Silver Falls Yellow course

Silver Falls Orange Course

Silver Falls Brown Course

Silver Falls Green Course

Silver Falls Red Course

Silver Falls Blue Course

Organiser's description

Location

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Silver Falls State Park Orienteering Event

This event has taken place

Reviews

Races

Silver Falls White Course

Silver Falls Yellow course

Silver Falls Orange Course

Silver Falls Brown Course

Silver Falls Green Course

Silver Falls Red Course

Silver Falls Blue Course

Event information

Route and elevation

What's included

Parking

Where to go

How to get there

Organiser's description

Location

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