Kelly-  first off, welcome.  You need the guide and cards to be legal on the claims, as well as a copy of the Washington Gold and Fish book (look online for it)  Check the magazine or the site here for the closest chapter and the contact info.  Great source of info, tips and help for newcomers. 

If you make it to the Gold Show in Portland, drop by the 3 chapter booths that are co-hosting and say HI.

I'm a new guy to this myself and waiting for my stuff to come in the mail.as well, Kelly. Can't wait to get the claim book so maybe in the near future we can go and hunt down some claims! Hopefully the GPAA has some claims up in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Hopefully up in the Randle/Packwood areas! Hopefully!