Places Stefan Kowasch Wants to Go

Despite a legend that says this highest peak in Oregon was climbed in high heels, scores of people have died on its slopes.

Formerly secret, precariously perched boulders.

Massive crater in central Oregon.

The eerie remnants of an ancient forest were hidden under the sand for centuries.

This lake in the Cascades lives up to its name, disappearing down a hole every spring.

Featuring a casually threatening atmosphere along with dessert and coffee to die for.

The magic's in the hole!

A roaring, awe-inspiring double cascade of icy water flows through woodland Oregon like something out of a Tolkien novel.

On the Oregon coast is a natural hole that seems to be draining the sea.

Come for the records, stay for the retro pinball machines.

A cow in the road might subvert the flow of traffic but this one's above it all, quite literally.

In the middle of the desert, miles from any human life, sat an anomalous pay phone that still magically answers your calls.

A rococo retro-futurist future-rustic vernacular between yesterday’s tomorrow and the future that never was.

This bakery sits on the site of the Black Panther Party's first headquarters.

This bizarre hotel on historic Route 66 has been plagued by rumors of paranormal activity.

A 1950s Googie burger stand is now a Los Angeles landmark.

At this 1940s-era neighborhood favorite, you can still drink a cherry phosphate.

This municipal playground was co-created by the father of one of the most playful characters ever.

A chain of bells connect the California Missions and honor the legend of the "King’s Highway."

A remote crossroads honoring a fallen talent.

Museum dedicated to the preservation of surf culture.

A Biblically-based Natural History Museum.

The world's most famous donkey lives in this pen.

This grinning pup statue is all that's left of what was once a ubiquitous Bay Area diner chain.