Sunset at Death Valley National Park in California is a magical time. The retreating sun mutes the shadowed ripples and graceful curves of the sand dunes while the day’s last light focuses on the mountaintops. Here, a rogue white cloud wanders in to enjoy the view. Photo courtesy of Sandra Slead.

Happy 168th birthday to us! On March 3, 1849, Congress passed a bill creating the Department of the Interior to take charge of the nation’s internal affairs. Interior’s diverse mission – which includes managing America’s vast natural and cultural resources, honoring our tribal relations and supplying the nation with energy – has earned it the nickname “The Department of Everything Else.” Photo of Yosemite National Park by William Woodward (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring this icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks its lower slopes. Created March 2, 1899, Mount Rainier is America’s fifth oldest national park. Photo by Vikas Garg (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).