Since its origin, America's identity has been closely tied to vast and pristine landscapes. From the creation of our National Parks to heightened levels of federal protection for wilderness-designated zones, an integral part of the American experience is the opportunity to visit areas of natural beauty. Being from the Pacific Northwest, I feel immensely privileged to have so many undeveloped areas near home where I can go immerse myself in the power of the land. While I've backpacked all over the world, there is something uniquely beautiful and special about our wilderness areas and the opportunity we, as Americans, have to recreate within them.