U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas served on the Court for 36 years. He wrote more opinions and more dissents than any other Justice. Douglas was described as an invigorating presence on the Court and possessed unusual stamina, an unyielding will, and enormous courage.

Douglas's achievements on and off the Court were astonishing. He was an adventurer, jurist, and environmentalist, whose writings and actions impacted the country for many years. He was also a hiker and climber. He organized hikes and other actions to protect the C&O Canal near Washington, D.C., Olympic Beach and...