The beauty and the beast of hydraulic mining is on full display at this California Historic State Park.

The viewpoint for this attractive, off-the-beaten-path waterfall is reached by a paved, wheelchair-accessible trail.

A little-known, but surprisingly large waterfall on the Little Truckee River in the northern Sierra Nevada.

The now-abandoned tunnels were built for the transcontinental railroad on the route where the first wagon train entered California.

Bits and pieces from the ill-fated Donner Party's winter cabins.

This hiking/biking/horse trail along an old railroad grade features trestles, tunnels, and a roadless stretch through the scenic Susan River canyon.

Sunset-colored dunes of volcanic ash make taking a poor photo impossible.

This lesser known Hearst estate is a fairytale village built from the stolen bones of historic European buildings.

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

A delightfully quirky blend of oddities spread throughout an old 1920s bank.

You might recognize this historic Oregon mansion from its appearance in 'The Goonies.'

The lush coastal city of Astoria is riddled with forgotten secret sidewalks.

A logging-themed roadside restaurant surrounded by museum-quality machinery and artifacts from the industry's heyday.

Two massive rock outcroppings on the Oregon coastline.

The park preserves a single, rare species of carnivorous plant that spells doom for unsuspecting insects.

Only known mainland rookery of the threatened Stellar sea lion.

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

An institution that preserves the history of institutionalization.

This Oregon farm is dedicated to teaching people the professional art of tree climbing.

The second largest waterfall by volume in the U.S., Willamette Falls is outdone only by Niagara in the amount of water that is pushed northward.

Hunting trophies decorate Oregon's most unique bar-restaurant.

The trunks of 3,000 year-old trees lurk beneath the surface of this crystal clear lake in Oregon.

Along the Outback Scenic Byway, adjacent to hot springs, this human-made geothermal feature takes unexplained breaks.

This strange hill on Old Fort Road where gravity works in reverse has been fascinating locals for years.