As the Spring Season Begins, so Grow Deals for our National Parks

Dust off those hiking boots, put on the sunglasses and sunscreen and get ready to breathe in some sensational fresh country air as spring hits the country's National Parks. In celebration of a new season, several Parks are offering deals to entice you out of your home and back to nature.

Olympic National Park, Washington (www.nps.gov/olym) combines the rugged beauty of the Pacific Ocean with rainforest valleys, glacier-capped mountains and diverse wildlife. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort (tel. 888/896-3828; www.visitsolduc.com) lies on the banks of the Sol Duc River in the heart of Olympic National Park, surrounded by old-growth rainforest. Less than a four hour drive from Seattle and one hour from Port Angeles, the resort makes an ideal and base for pursuing the Park's varied outdoor activities like fishing, hiking and visiting Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rain Forest.

Sol Duc's "Spring at the Springs" package offers over 35% off regular rates with accommodation in non-kitchen cabins available until April 30, 2007, from $105 per night or from May 1 through June 15 from $115. A cabin with kitchen is priced at $120 and $135 respectively for the same periods, Taxes are additional and these rates are based on double occupancy with additional people charged $22. Pet fees also apply.

Their "Rainy Day Adventurer" package includes accommodation in a cozy cabins, two box lunches, a set of hiking sticks, and two rain ponchos. Rates start at $139 per night in a non-kitchen cabin until April 30, 2007 or $149 May 1 through June 15 - $149 and in a kitchen cabin, $159 and $169.

Enjoy some "Romance at the Springs" with a package that includes a complimentary bottle of wine, a breakfast basket delivered to your room and extended check out time of 1pm. Rates range from $125 to $155.

Death Valley National Park's Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort (tel. 888/297-2757; www.furnacecreekresort.com) has a variety of spring season packages available until the Inn part of the property closes for the season on May 12, 2007 (the Ranch remains open all year round). The "Romantic Escape" package features three-nights accommodations in a luxury room with a king-sized bed and spa bath, a fruit and cheese basket, bottle of sparkling wine, two Furnace Creek Inn, terrycloth bathrobes for two, a tour of Scotty's Castle and a horse-drawn carriage ride at sunset. The passionate package, including tax is priced at $1,500 per couple. The "Stay & Play" package gives guests overnight accommodations, unlimited golf, a golf cart and club storage. This deal is priced at $400 per room for two people for stays Sunday through Thursday at the Inn and $410 for weekend stays, or $248 Sunday through Thursday and $258 Friday and Saturday at the Ranch.

The "Scotty's Castle -- Live!" package offers accommodations at either the Furnace Creek Inn or the Furnace Creek Ranch together with a visit to the historic Scotty's Castle in Death Valley. The package is available Sunday through Thursday from April 22 to May 10, 2007. Included are two nights accommodations for two people, two pre-scheduled group period-tours of Scotty's Castle and a copy of the book "Death Valley's Scotty's Castle: the Story Behind the Scenery." Rates start at $375 for two people staying at the Ranch and $645 at the Inn.

Yellowstone National Park (www.travelyellowstone.com) has the following Summer Adventure packages:

• The Total Yellowstone Package is a five-night/four-day getaway that gives guests a taste of everything Yellowstone has to offer. The deal is available every Sunday from July 1 to August 17, 2007 and is priced at $1,229 per person based on double occupancy plus tax (children ages eight to 11 pay $659). The package features five-nights accommodation at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, all meals, tours, guides and a memento photo CD. Highlights are breakfast at the "Great Geysers," a guided walk through the upper geyser basin, a hike to Lone Star Geyser, a bus tour of the east side, a lake tour on board the Lake Queen, free time at Mammoth, wildlife watching in Lamar Valley, stagecoach or one hour horseback ride, bus tour of the west side, and a campfire program. Telephone 866/GEYSERLAND for bookings.
• The Fun on the Fly: Learn to Fly Fish package available June 14 to17, June 29 to July 2, July 9 to 12, July 20 to 23, August 10 to 13 and August 24 to 27, 2007. It is priced at $1,649 per person based on double occupancy plus tax and guests must be 12 years of age or older to participate. This getaway is the perfect introduction to the art and sport of fly fishing and is led by certified instructors from the Yellowstone Fly Fishing School (www.yellowstoneflyfishingschool.com). This three-night program is based at Yellowstone Lake with accommodation in the Frontier Cabins at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. It includes in-park transportation, equipment, breakfasts, lunches, one dinner and a welcome gift. The instruction highlights equipment usage, casting, aquatic insects, reading the water, safety and etiquette, hooking and landing fish and Yellowstone's fish habitat. Telephone 307/344-5566 for further information and reservations.

Sequoia National Park, California (tel. 866/449-4902; www.visitsequoia.com) is famous for its sky-high ancient sequoia trees, tranquil creeks and imposing views of the High Sierras. It offers a wide selection of year-round attractions and activities but spring and summer invariably provide the best access to fishing, cave tours, hiking and horse-back riding. The Park is home to the Wuksachi Lodge (tel. 866/826-9963), a stone and cedar property located in the heart of Sequoia, which is offering spring rates starting at $99 per room per night plus tax in a queen room on a bed and breakfast basis for Sunday through Thursday stays ending May 31, 2007. Use promotional code MTNOC99 when making reservations.

Good things come in small packages and Hot Springs Arkansas (www.hotsprings.org) is the oldest National Park in the U.S. -- established in 1832 (it's also former President Bill Clinton's home town). With 47 naturally flowing thermal springs on the southwestern slope of Hot Springs Mountain, it's a destination that offers a combination of natural attractions and historic landmarks.

Travel by April 21, 2007 and take a Bath & Massage R & R Getaway at the Gables Inn Bed & Breakfast (tel. 800/625-7576; www.gablesn.com). This 1905 Victorian Inn is located four blocks from the historic downtown area and is a leisurely walk to bathhouses, restaurants, galleries and antique stores. This package is priced from $339 and includes accommodations for two people for two nights, breakfast each morning, a bath, whirlpool, mineral wrap and massage package for two at one of the bathhouses and free DVD movies available 24 hours.

A Magic Springs Getaway is available at the Abelard Inn Bed & Breakfast (tel. 501/625-3834; www.abelardinn.com) from now through October 28, 2007. The Magic Springs & Crystal Falls water park are open weekends only until Memorial Day and then daily through mid-August. And back to weekends only through the end of October. The package is priced from $480 plus taxes and includes two nights accommodations in the London or Paris Room, flowers, candles and candy in your room, admission for two to Magic Springs and Crystal Falls, Concert Series tickets (www.magicsprings.com/concerts.html), admission for two to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower or Mid-America Science Museum, full breakfast served each morning and complimentary refreshments.

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