The Mountaineers

Established in 1906, The Mountaineers (bookstore at 300 3rd Ave. W, Seattle, 206/284-6310, www.mountaineers.org) is a 15,000-member organization of outdoor enthusiasts with a strong environmental bent. Based in Seattle, the club organizes hiking, climbing, cycling, skiing, snowshoeing, sea kayaking, and many other activities and events throughout the year. They even have a singles group where you can meet others with similar interests. Membership costs $50 per year (plus an initiation fee of $35), and members receive The Mountaineer, a monthly magazine listing local activities, along with 20 percent discounts on their many excellent books.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

This state agency (360/902-2200, www.wdfw.wa.gov) is in charge of fishing, hunting, and clamming in Washington. Contact them for current game fish regulations, or pick up the fat Fishing in Washington booklet at sporting goods or other stores that sell fishing licenses.

© Ericka Chickowski from Moon Washington, 8th edition