Arco, Idaho, is a small dot on the map. But on July 17, 1955, it was the first community in the world to be lit with electricity generated by atomic power. T-shirts reflecting the civic pride (the shirts do glow in the dark) are sold at one of the campsites in town.
My photographic destination for this trip was Lassen Volcano National Park. I climbed the volcano four decades ago after my return from Vietnam. This trip was aimed at Cinder Cone near Butte Lake in the northeastern part of the park. There’s a six-mile ride on a gravel road back to the campground and another mile plus hike to the cone. Seeing Cinder Cone alone was enough reason for the trip - the view from above is spectacular. The hike is extremely difficult, so take water and suffer through the hike to the top, it’s worth it. The painted dunes below and the other scenery are simply beautiful. I’ve traveled to many of our nation’s beautiful locations. This is one of my top places to see yet it’s almost unknown. Go early when the light is best. Later in the day it will be hotter. Earlier gets you there before the other foot traffic. Remember, you heard about it first in ON. Good luck.
