Trails through lava-carved tube-caves display sparkling bacteria and a rich history.

An artsy hidden staircase leads to breathtaking views of San Francisco.

With a crest near 10,000 feet, this treeless fault-block mountain in eastern Oregon provides stunning views and spectacular glacial landforms.

The unique circular corral belonging to the “Cattle King” of Oregon.

At the base of Steens Mountain resides an otherworldly desert.

A volcanic landmark located on an Ice age lake bed.

Home to a timed geyser created by complete accident.

The world's first nuclear power plant is open to visitors looking to role-play a meltdown.

This museum glorifies the humble potato.

This rural community has attracted both scientists and techno-refugees due to its federally-mandated lack of technology.

This 19th-century museum inside of a lighthouse is only accessible during low tide.

A remote desert lookout offers unparalleled views of the California badlands for those who brave the trek.

Along a California highway is a kind of Jurassic Park made of metal.

The ghostly remains of an accidental sea.

The world’s largest concentrated solar plant generates as many problems as megawatts.

This giant temperature attraction created some giant electric bills.

Thousands of turbines whir at the origin of North American wind power.

Centuries of crashing waves carved out this small hole in the rock, which lights up at certain parts of the year.

Offering commanding views of the California coastline, this restaurant was a hub for the artists and bohemians of Big Sur.

This Big Sur waterfall drops 80 feet directly into the Pacific Ocean, and inspired the hillside house up top.

It should come as no surprise that the world's largest artichoke lies in the town that calls itself the "Artichoke Center of the World."

This sign designates the road that leads to the infamous Area 51.

Narrow slot canyons in a badland eroded into soft sedimentary rock provide an otherworldly landscape in this remote Nevada state park.

These elusive, isolated rodents evolved into a distinct, locally iconic subspecies.