While the National Park Service recently made news by promoting the economics tied to the National Park System -- last year visitation to the parks generated an estimated $28.6 billion for the country's economy -- just as, if not more, important would be framing the parks' contribution to the natural world.

A brutal heat wave, coupled with a long-running drought, has many national parks in the Western half of the country enduring broiling temperatures and increased fire danger. Temperatures Wednesday at Death Valley National Park could reach 128 degrees at Furnace Creek, the National Park Service said, while fire danger at Grand Teton National Park inched up to "high."

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As you drive toward, or fly over, Washington state, you can’t help but turn your eyes toward “The Mountain.” Known as Tahoma (or Tacoma) by the Northwest Native tribes and “an icon in the Washington landscape,” this “episodically active” volcano and most-glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S. lends its name to Mount Rainier National Park, which offers visitors plenty of activities surrounding this centerpiece mountain. The Traveler’s Checklist can help you plan your trip to make the most of your time exploring this park.