2025-26 Winter League #5 – Summit Trail/Rock Creek Natural Area

COURSE NOTES

It’s time for another foray into the woods of Maple Valley! Thanks to John B, Sophie H, Tallie M, and Luke M who have spent a considerable amount of time this past year updating the Summit Trail map, we have newly mapped areas available to orienteers and a map that is as dialed as ever! We are grateful for their hard work and time spent on a very challenging map update.  

As is with all map updates, the venue begins to change the moment the fieldwork is complete. Recent windstorms have dropped a copious number of new trees; flooding has increased the size of marshes, and the elk are especially disgruntled. Recent storm impacts to the venue can pose a challenge to off trail route finding, cover point features with branches, and introduce unmapped root stocks. In addition, the ever-encroaching vine maples have made some of these forested passages challenging to traverse. Since these impediments are random and constantly changing, they are not marked on the map.  

None of the courses’ controls are intentionally hidden but knowing which side of the feature the control is located will help determine your angle of approach. Knowing your control feature and evaluating the control location before you set out on your next leg will help reduce the amount of time you spend wandering around in the forest. If you are not familiar or comfortable with the use of your compass, we highly recommend you swing by Caroline’s training tent where there will be a compass course set up in the field west of the start tents.  

In order to increase map legibility and assist with off trail navigation, for this event the “Small Knoll (109)” symbol has been removed from the base map. There are just too many knolls within the venue to make this feature useful for navigation. You will still be able to see major knolls marked with the “Small Elongated Knoll (110)” symbol on the map.  

There is an extensive elk and deer herd that call this area home, and there is a vast network of elk trails. These elk paths are represented by white stripes on the map between thicker vegetation, meaning it is not a maintained trail, and subject to nature’s adjustment should it occur.  

The only stumps mapped at Summit Trails are very large: at least 2 m in height and 1.5 m in width. On the map, stumps are marked with brown X. Rootstocks greater than 1 m (and most often) visible from all directions are mapped with a brown triangle.  

Course Specific Notes: (keep in mind that the difficulty levels typically are increased between the first and second half of the series)  

• Elementary and Beginner Course: Not all controls are placed at decision points, and some are placed beyond trail junctions. However, you should be able to see the next control from the center of the trail junctions. 

• Middle School, Rookie, and Advanced Beginner Courses: Some of your controls have been placed up to 10 m from the trails. All controls can be seen from distinct points on the trail. The use of a compass from a known point on the trail will be especially beneficial. Also, it is possible to travel off trail between some controls. However, this is never the best route choice.  

• Junior Varsity and Intermediate Courses: Some course legs have been designed to offer off-trail route choices. Most of these off-trail route choices follow distinct handrails or provide significant catching features. Have a solid navigation plan before jumping off the trail. If you are unfamiliar with the use of handrails or catching features, please swing by the training area and learn from the best! Also, make sure you brush up on those compass skills! 

• Varsity, Collegiate, and Advanced Courses: You got this! Have fun! Be very careful when crossing roads.  

Horses and equestrians: The trails of Summit Trail are also used by equestrians. When encountering horses, please move to the side of the trail and call out to the riders. Make reasonable efforts not to spook the horses and announce your presence to riders as the horse approaches.  

Travel in opposite directions: You may encounter reverse travel on some single-track trails. To keep everyone safe, please step off the trail when studying your map, slower runners step aside for faster runners and faster runners please safely pass those running slower than your pace.  

Lastly, both deer and hiking trails within the Summit Trail venue are lined with blackberries and nettles. We strongly recommend pants and long-sleeved shirts for all runners. Please do not underestimate the amount of damage the vegetation can do to bare legs. Wear pants!!!  

Have fun and enjoy the courses. 

Ing & Chris