How to Find Your Way in Deep Forest

Last Updated: June 2, 2021

Each year, dozens of people get lost in the Mountains and become the subjects of search-and-rescue missions. In most cases, people simply wandered off of marked trails and lost their bearings. Losing one's way in the woods can be an unsettling, frightful experience. If you follow the blazes or cairns, you should have no trouble. But, if you should find you've wandered off the path, stop immediately. In many cases, you will find that retracing your footsteps will bring you back to the trail. If not, follow these steps:^{[1]
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Steps

1
Pay close attention to your surroundings and landmarks and relate this to your location on a map.
2
Stay calm if you get lost. Panic is your greatest enemy. If you run wildly around, even for a little while you could lose your sense of direction complete. Try to remember how you got to your present location.

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3
Trust your map and compass (if you have them) and do not walk aimlessly. Use the compass to give you a sense of direction. Think of which way you came, and if that was Northeast, and then recall if you took a turn and what the direction the turn was. If you are calm, you can remember a great many things. If you are on a trail do not leave it.
4
Start retracing your steps. Leave markers where ever you go, so you can return to where you are. Also, if someone tries to find you, they will look for markers. So make as many as you can, on every turn that you make, and try to mark the direction you are taking. You got off the trail, maybe ten minutes ago, so if you track back more than that time, you know you are on the wrong track.
5
Remember that if you are not able to retrace your steps, then the best thing is to just stay put, in one place and let the searchers find you. Create a marking so it can be seen by air. Sing loudly or shout help, when you hear others trying to find you. If you have a whistle, blow it or use a blade of grass. Stay in the open so they can find you easily. Do not hide in a cave or under brushes.
6
Stay put if it is nightfall, if you are injured, or if you are near exhaustion. It is smarter to stay put and try to find your way out in the daylight.
7
Remember that as a last resort, follow a drainage or stream downhill or downstream. This can be hard going but will often lead to a trail or road. and you will eventually come to civilization.^{[2]
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Community Q&A

Question

If I get lost in the forest on a clear summer night, and I'm not carrying a compass with me, how can I find my way?

Wildman5311

Community Answer

If you live in the northern hemisphere, use the north star. If you live in the southern hemisphere, use the southern cross.
Question

What can I use to tag trees from start to finish?

Community Answer

Try using a knife to mark or tag trees. If you haven't got a knife, use a rock to strike it repeatedly or scratch it with a sharp stick.
Question

What happens if I only have a water bottle and nothing else? How do I survive?

Community Answer

First you must find a water source, because that water bottle won't hold you over for long. Find a spring or stream after you run out of water and fill your bottle. Set it in the sun for at least 8 hours. This will kill bacteria. Next you will need to build a shelter and figure out how you will make fire. Your average adult can survive up to 3 weeks without food, so keep your priorities straight. For food, try setting traps for small game or hunting with a sharpened stick.