Same issue here - the woods make it virtually impossible to do "classic" map navigation from point to point. That's why I never became an expert at map navigation, relying on my map instead just to predict trail terrain and measure my progress toward where I wanted to go. The main features I use are creek crossings and trail intersections, though I will occasionally get to an exposed point on a ridge and be able to triangulate from two other observable features.

Occasionally, if I'm able to determine where my starting point is, I'll use the map to get a bearing to a point I want to walk to, then walk that bearing from tree to tree. There's a local park where we can see the lodge from the dam, so I'll show Scouts how to read the bearing, and then have them walk that bearing through the woods; they're always amazed when they end up at the lodge! But that comes perilously close to being a stunt as opposed to standard operating procedure.