Going back to the map discussion - a long way - someone mentioned geological maps. I don't know how varied the rocks are on Vancouver Island, but making notes of rock outcrops would be a good addition to other way finding methods - and related to mushroom locations, I should imagine.

Also, have you thought of taking a digital camera, and photographing important way points on the route, then saving them on the computer until time for the next trip, loading them back on the camera, and using it as a guide?