Easiest resource where I learned, Boy Scouts. Even as an adult, you can volunteer to be a leader at a local troop. You can sit in a meeting and have the Scouts teach you all there is to know about reading a map, using a compass, and how to use a wilderness GPS. With the right troop, I'm sure they'll also know the best places to go backpacking within a short drive.
REI has classes on a wide range of outdoor activities including orienteering and other back country survival skills. A quick search shows 5 dates upcoming nearby (Seattle area) for specifically navigating with a map and compass
Well done. I have taken several map and compass courses and the one thing people need to understand is that without practice, this is a skill that you will forget or simply get confused about. I use a GPS because that keeps my phone charged for other uses. I always carry extra batteries.
Listened to an interview of a Navy Seal telling a story about how he carelessly got seriously lost hiking, spur of the moment, him thinking I don't need a compass ....... he regretted it. Another great example of why you always bring a compass and map is read the story "When you find my body" written about a seasoned through hiker who got lost on the AP and eventually dying.
Our outfitter in NWA .. Pack Rat Outfitters , in Fayetteville Arkansas offers all levels from basic map and compass, to Orienteering.. great staff,too!
Sierra Club has the Wilderness Travel Course (WTC), which amongst many other things, navigation is a big part of their course (for obvious reasons). You'll also learn snow-backpacking skills, and be connected quite an experienced community, super fun. Unfortunately, they only have sections in Los Angeles area (SFV, Long Beach, OC, Santa Monica).
I disagree with that if you're trying to be ultralight. Can't have two backpacks, tents/hammocks, sleeping bags.. when it comes down to it if you bring extras of anything you're doubling their weight, and that definitely adds up.
Agree....at least learn the basics. A map and compass doesn't weigh a lot, nor take up much room. If your primary nav craps out, at least you can find your way, or at least not walk in circles.
