The Ultimate Orienteer series is the sampler pack of orienteering: each event gives you the opportunity to try a different flavor!
The ninth event in the series is: THE GOAT!
Join us for a goat event in the open scablands near Fishtrap Lake. The final (#9!) event in this year’s Ultimate Orienteer Series, we’ll offer three long-distance courses with a twist: skip 1 or 2 controls (depending on which course you do) of your choice.
The Goat is part of 2 days of orienteering in eastern Washington. Enjoy a Middle Distance event at Moses Lake on Saturday.
Find out more about Goat events!
PLEASE pre-register online if you consider going to this event so we can get a better map count. Since there are mass starts, we cannot reuse the maps.
Event Notes
Out of Bounds areas
Most of the area we’re using belongs to the Bureau of Land Management. They have identified several sensitive areas which are out of bounds for our competition. These areas are clearly marked on the map with vertical purple lines. The courses have been designed to avoid them, so make sure your route choice does not include travel through ANY out of bounds areas!
Water
We may have water on the course, but you should plan to take your own. Even though we’re starting early, Fishtrap in June can get hot, so be prepared!
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is only allowed for control pickup, so if you want to ride your bike, please volunteer to pick up controls after the event is over.
Dogs
Per our permit agreement with the BLM, your dog is not allowed to accompany you on the course. Please respect this restriction.
Camping
Camping areas near Fishtrap:
- Fishtrap Lake Resort (flush toilets and hot water but NO hot showers)
- Sprague Lake Resort (flush toilets and hot showers available)
- Four Seasons Campground and Resort (flush toilets and hot showers available)
COURSES
Course designer(s): Nikolay Nachev
Zygoat (Intermediate) – 5.0k
Kid (Short Advanced) – 10.2k
Goat (Long Advanced) – 16.5k
How are courses measured?
Courses are measured as the crow flies, in a direct line from control to control. Unless you have wings, you will travel farther than this distance! Courses are measured in kilometers, so a good rule of thumb is to simply round up to miles to estimate how far you will go. So in a 5 kilometer race, you’ll likely travel up to 5 miles.
COURSE NOTES
Check back later for special notes from the Course Designer(s).
SCHEDULE
Registration: 8:00-8:45a
Mass starts: 9:00 (Goat), 9:15 (Zygoat, Kid)
Course closure: 2:30pm (report to the finish by this time to avoid disqualification)
Newcomer instruction: 8:00-8:30am
PRICES
PRE-REGISTRATION PRICES
$22 base price
– subtract $5 for CascadeOC members
– subtract $5 for using your own e-punch
DAY-OF-EVENT REGISTRATION
$25 base price
– subtract $5 for CascadeOC members
– subtract $5 for using your own e-punch
What’s an e-punch?
An e-punch records your race. At each control, you’ll dip the e-punch into an electronic box, which will beep and flash as confirmation. After you finish, you’ll download the e-punch at the download tent and get a receipt that show which controls you visited and how long you took between each; these are your “splits.”
Part of the fun of orienteering is comparing your splits with people who completed the same course, and discussing the routes you took!
SIGN UP
Online pre-registration closes: 9:00 pm, Thursday, June 15
Day-of-event registration is available by cash or check, made payable to Cascade Orienteering Club.
LOCATION
PARKING
TBD
CARPOOL
Looking for a carpool? Join the Yahoo listserv and share your request to find a ride.
THE MAP
Featuring unique scabland terrain, Fishtrap Lake is challenging, yet accessible, and a complete joy to navigate. On one hand, there are tons of tiny cliffs and rock details. On the other hand, there are so few trees here, that the views are expansive, allowing you to orient yourself off of faraway cliffs. Fishtrap also provides a perfect opportunity to test compass skills, since there is little to stop you from beelining straight to the next control.
Read more on the map pageSAFETY & ETIQUETTE
Return to the Finish
All participants MUST return to the finish and download their e-punch or turn in their punch card.
Even if you have not finished your course, you must still return to the the finish and confirm with event staff that you have returned safely.
Out of Bounds
Some areas may be marked out of bounds. It is imperative to respect these boundaries to maintain our relationships with land managers. Participants MUST NOT go out of bounds. Any participant caught going out of bounds will be disqualified.
Course Closure
All participants MUST return to the finish by course closure time. If a participant does not return by course closure, event volunteers will begin coordinating a search party.
If you need a long time on the course, start as early in the start window as possible, wear a watch, and be prepared to cut your course short to make it back by the course closure time.
Whistle
All participants MUST carry a whistle on the course. Complimentary whistles are available at the start tent (please only take one).
If you are injured on the course and need assistance, blow three long blasts to call for help.
If you hear a call for help, abandon your course to find the person in distress.
Voices
Part of the fun and fairness of orienteering is navigating your own course, so please be polite when you find a checkpoint and don’t holler that you’ve found it.
