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.