In the Open — The National Forests of Washington Fow 



As fast as funds are available, National Forest roads and trails are being 

 posted with signs to guide the visitor. These signs are of wood, painted white or ti 

 cream with lettering in dark green or black and they bear in addition to the tc 

 lettering a shield, in the middle of which is a pine tree and the letters "U S" with hi 

 the words "Forest Service" above and "Department of Agriculture" beneath it. fii 

 This shield is a reproduction of the badge worn by all rangers and other Forest 

 officers, by which they may be identified. oi 



Roads, trails, signboards, and maps make it easy to get about the Forests tc 

 without any other guide. More than 4,000 miles of trail are kept open on the 

 National Forests of Washington and are available for public use. Sixteen hundred oi 

 miles of telephone lines make quick communication with the outside w^orld possi- lit 

 ble. In an emergency, the Forest traveler can call up his family or office in town a 

 from some ranger station in the heart of the wilderness. Registers are kept at tt 

 local Forest headquarters, where the visitor may write his name and indicate his 

 probable route of travel. This will make it possible for a Forest officer to find him 

 in case of the receipt of important messages. 



The Forest Service has begun the development of camp and picnic gounds on 

 suitable sites along the roads leading through the National Forests, clearing up 

 camping grounds, and providing safe places for building camp fires and other simple 

 conveniences. Forage for saddle animals and firewood are free. 



There is something about life in the open that appeals strongly to the seeker 

 after health and recreation. Even a few days spent out in Nature's wide spaces 

 takes the mind from the vexatious daily problems and gives a broader outlook on 

 life and its possibilities. Forests, streams, and mountains furnish a rugged com- 

 panionship never know^n in town. The establishment of the National Forests 

 secures for the people widespread areas on which no "Keep Out" signs prevent 

 enjoyment of the natural attractions. These Forests belong to the people and those 

 who use them are simply reaping the benefits of ownership. Millions are making, 

 use of their Forests every year — touring and tramping through them by road and 

 trail, exploring their mountain fastnesses, and eagerly searching out their hidden 

 nooks and canyons. You will find them camped by the quiet lakes and beside 

 the singing streams and booming waterfalls. They are wearing trails to the lonely 

 summits, w^here the most inspiring views may be obtained. And there is none tc 



