Triangulation in tall forests

My memory tells me that when I used to find my way around the Missouri Ozarks with a map and compass (off-trail) I could easily see and identify the contours of the land and figure out where I was. But in the short amount of time that I've been hiking around in the Ouachita area, I've found that it's more difficult to find landmarks in the distance because of the tall pine trees.

So here's how I figure out where I am:

Of course, for triangulation to work, you have to know approximately where you are in relation to your topo map, within a few miles anyway, depending on the terrain around you. The purpose of figuring out exactly where you are through triangulation is so you can set a reliable heading toward your destination and/or make sure you are maintaining a heading you previously set.

First, I try for high ground. If you can find a vista from which to take bearings and triangulate, you're in good shape. Unfortunately, none of the mountains around here go higher than the treeline, so you'll rarely get totally out of the trees. 360° views of the surrounding terrain are not unheard of, but they're tough to find when you need them. In other words, don't count on it. You're more likely to find what I'd call a "window vista" where you'll be looking out over the landscape through a break in the trees, but you won't be able to see all around you. This is often enough to find landmarks from which you can triangulate.

Sometimes, high ground won't be available or won't help very much. So the next thing I'll try to find is a peculiar area that appears on the map close to where I think I am. A place where the creek takes an odd bend, or a small valley, or a little hill with a large flat area next to it; any place that is distinguishable from other landmarks around you. Remember though, creeks and rivers can change course over time and USGS topo maps can be pretty old. But getting yourself next to a river or creek is always a good start, because then you know that you are least somewhere along that line.

As a last resort, if I'm really afraid that I'm in danger of becoming lost, I will backtrack to my last "known" position and start over, or I will follow the river until I find an unmistakable landmark and go from there. There have been times that I've gone a lot further out of my way just to get a clean triangulation reading than I wanted to, but being a little extra tired around camp at night is much better than being a little extra lost.

Most importantly, experience and preparedness is your best ally out here. There are few hard and fast rules for anything that happens in the backwoods, you must always adapt, so discovering and practicing your own strengths is key to having fun, being safe, and getting home on time.

Good luck, and happy trails!