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6 www.ScenicWA.com Washingtons National Parks by Craig Romano Nothing defines Washington more than its natural beauty. The states bountiful forests sprawling coast- line and majestic mountains are the pride of her residents and a joy to all who visit. Nowhere is this better showcased than in the states three national parks. Renowned documentary-film producer Ken Burns coined our national parks Americas best idea. If thats true Washington has three of the best ideas on the planet in which to connect and recreate with nature. At Mount Rainier National Park embrace Washingtons iconic mountain up close and personal. Trails of varying degrees traverse resplendent wildflower meadows meander through ancient cathedral forests skirt spray zones of thundering waterfalls and roam to the edges of glistening glaciers. Take to the famous Wonderland Trail that wraps 93 miles around the 14411-foot glacier-covered volcano for an unsurpassed back- country experience. Mountains rainforest and coast the nearly 1 million-acre Olympic National Park is three parks in one. At mile-high Hurricane Ridge stroll through parkland meadows teeming with deer and marmots and stand mesmerized gazing at Mount Olympus one of the snowiest mountains in the country. In the Hoh River Valley walk among moss-draped maples and towering conifers shrouded in mist capturing the mystique of the temperate rain forest. Its home to one of the highest concentration of biomass on the planet fathom the life before you from slugs to legendary elk herds. Along Olympics stunning coastline leave footprints in the sand at some of the wildest ocean beaches in the Lower 48. Admire dramatic headlands and sea stacks teeming with marine mammals and seabird colonies. Washingtons third best idea North Cascades National Park protects one of the largest roadless areas remaining in the continental United States and the highest concentration of glaciers in America outside of Alaska. Here a serrated sea of mountains forms formidable walls around remote valleys and hidden basins home to mountain goats grizzly bears wolverines and wolves. Most of this wilderness park is strictly for adventurous backpackers. But day hikers can follow trails once favored by lonely trappers hardscrabble miners and beatnik poets heading to lofty fire lookouts. And a drive along the North Cascades Highway one of the most awe-inspiring roadways in America provides wonderful wind- shield viewing of the surrounding icy spires. Doesnt a visit to our national parks sounds like a great idea