NorCal Ep1: I lost count of how many water crossings

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NorCal Ep1: I lost count of how many water crossings

Рет қаралды 22,289

Күн бұрын

Part one of a three-part series exploring northern California's immense Mendocino National Forest, where the creeks are many and the bridges, apparently, are few. From verdant valley vistas to magnificent mountain marvels, join me for a solo adventure exploring and dispersed camping in this expansive tract of public land.
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InDeflate air down/air up solution:
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Alldogs Offroad/Koni 2" lift kit:
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MAXTRAX MKII recovery boards:
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Dewalt 20V 12" chain saw:
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Claymore 3 Face camp light:
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de Buyer 9½" carbon steel frying pan
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Reliance Beverage Buddy 4-gallon water container
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Expedition Research Ultra-light Kettle:
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Thermacell mosquito repeller:
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Claymore Capon cap bill clip-on light:
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Пікірлер: 118

@jimmyjones5216 2 жыл бұрын

Liking the lifted stance of the Frontier. As always, thanks for taking us along.

@lowbudgetoutdoorsman8415 2 жыл бұрын

Loved the cheap poke at Jason about the fire pit... good stuff... another great video...Keep em comin Donald

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

Haha, the main reason I got the Snowpeak was just because I'd heard Jason gripe about the design many times. Well, that's not entirely true. I have a few friends with them and so I had seen them in action for years and really like everything about them. Super fast & easy setup & breakdown, packs flat, burns really nicely, putting off good heat, and that inverted pyramid lets you get your toes right up under the fire and warm them without burning the soles off your boots as usually happens around the campfire. I truly love this fire pit. The fact that Jason doesn't is just icing LOL. :-)

@TyMoore95503 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking us along, Donald. As always, you do manage to find some interesting areas which have surprising beauty to them. See you on your next adventure!

@TheCabrooster11 2 жыл бұрын

Always appreciate your honest and positive outlook on not always finding your preferred route or campsite but still managing to find wonderful places.

@norsefalconer 2 жыл бұрын

6:26 That's the money right there. Kuddos for recognizing what a great shot that would make. Another fav is the pot patina shot at around 21:00. Great stuff Donald!

@timothyholtjr.8600 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to see you out on an adventure and taking us along with!! Loving the build so far and look forward to what's to come.. safe travels and keep up the great work!!

@mikepierson3097 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, Donald. Started out pretty frustrating I’d say but ended up in a nice spot.

@slagmaker6780 2 жыл бұрын

So Sad to see the burn scars from recent years of fires! ...many years ago, this was such a nice area!

@Hazmatt4700 2 жыл бұрын

I always love those old bridges. The one out by hornbrook, the one at the junction of the road to Ft Jones and 96, and the one below the shasta dam are great visits.

@thatoneguyazadventures 2 жыл бұрын

Great video as always! I can definitely relate to the trespassing signs, and the locked gates per my last video. It's funny how often they only close that last gate at the very top of these trails. 🧐 Ultimately though you found some great spots. It's always worth the drive, if it's not, we make it worth it. 🍻

@danhohman 2 жыл бұрын

Springtime camping can be so beautiful! It looks more like staying in a state campground! And wow, you sure had to drive through a whole lot of ugly just to end up right back at a beautiful spot you had picked out earlier in the day. The drone shots were stunning! I love the old rusty bridge! Thank you for taking us along on this adventure. It feels really good to be back!

@scottymac5174 2 жыл бұрын

I used to do an annual Dual sport motorcycle ride up there for years. The Sheetiron 500. We would start on the east side, Stonyford rodeo grounds. Ride up over the summit on dirt roads/trails. (Hard and easy routes) down to lake Pillsbury for lunch and fuel. Then on to Ukiah and Willets. Over the coast range to Fort Brag. Spend a night in Fort Brag and then ride a completely different route back to Stonyford.

@michaelpellegrino3220 2 жыл бұрын

That last campsite was definitely the one! Beautiful spot to spend the night.

@westhovland4189 2 жыл бұрын

Great vid as usual Don. I really appreciate your respect for nature and surroundings, you put some conscience thought into your actions.

@elchile007 2 жыл бұрын

Thats one of my favorite places to go camping. North of the lake by the bridge is my spot. Awesome video

@JBlinky67 2 жыл бұрын

Mendo forest is quite scenic. Lots of great trails for motorcycles too.

@socalrenegal9409 2 жыл бұрын

I so want to do a softroad adventure with you. You go to the best places.

@gerryhartung736 2 жыл бұрын

Met Jason at Coyote Butte cleanup 3.26. Everyone worked hard and had a great time . Maybe meet you on 6.11 near Sisters. 4.1, finally went down to Derrick caves. Dry dusty smooth cinder, rocky two soft damp spots, then up 22 to LA Pine snow aplenty. Drought in NoCal! You waded a lot of water. Nothing like China Hat! Going down Summer lake way 4.2, than mid week back to home base Willy Valley .Cheers!

@penncapt 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking me along. I would like to see you and the inside of the cap, doing things together.

@scottymac5174 2 жыл бұрын

Fold out grill. That you can put over your campfire coals. One of the best cooking tools.

@DasGav 2 жыл бұрын

I'm looking forward to your rigs build out!

@ancientoverland5387 2 жыл бұрын

I cant wait to see how you do your kitchen setup. Im rethinking mine right now...

@johndej 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoy your adventures. Thanks for sharing!

@mikemorgan4670 2 жыл бұрын

Nice trip so far. Pleasing, mellow mood.

@chillaxorz 2 жыл бұрын

Jason: Your firepit is too small. Donald: I put my firepit inside a firepit.

@mtnbound2764 2 жыл бұрын

Loved this one and its inspired me to get out myself!

@grantdavis5992 2 жыл бұрын

When a forest service or other road passes through private property there is a "right of way" which extends to each side of the road a specific distance, perhaps 25 feet to each side of the centerline. The private property signs are to inform anyone that this is just a "right of way." I have worked on such property within the national forest. The responsible USFS firefighters ordered the CalFire crews off of the Creek Fire when they had it contained at 1 acre and let it get out of control to subsequently burn nearly 400,000 acres and 850 structures, including our family cabin and my brother's home. It makes it very difficult to watch excursions through such burned out areas.

@ScaleofTwo 2 жыл бұрын

That little meadow spot looked lovely! The oaks on the hills in California are incredible. Would love to find a tucked away spot to spend a night among them eventually 😄

@guyallphin1295 2 жыл бұрын

I love your videos

@estruble 2 жыл бұрын

If you had some time you could have "enjoyed" the hot springs there at Wilber Springs (clothing optional). Also if you had continued up north on the road before the Wilber Springs turnoff, Bear Valley is known for its wild flowers. Well worth the trip in about a month for full affect. Next time you are down in that area there is a dirt road (FS-7) that goes all the way over the top from the Willows area over to US-101 north of Willits.

@cameronb1907 2 жыл бұрын

Haha. I wondered when you and Jason would start arguing like old friends. I really love the way you travel and the places you go. Looking forward to warmer weather in Oregon.

@Ravenwood82 2 жыл бұрын

Another good one, Donald. Shoulda checked out Wilbur Hot Springs....we were there last fall...neat place.

@davidmorello676 2 жыл бұрын

u make some great content...wish I xould go with u sometime. keep up the good work and thanks for showing all us watchers what's out there.

@broinsocali 2 жыл бұрын

Good stuff my man. Think I might start buying the camping gear I'm gonna need.

@MrKim-kv2vv 2 жыл бұрын

Mendocino plus Lassen NF, hidden gems. 👋🏻

@TrailToughTrailers Жыл бұрын

Welcome to California where gates and private property signs grow abundantly!!! It's why I moved to Washington State years ago... MANY years ago, and it has only gotten worse!!!

@ParallelCamper 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting area. I may have to travel a bit north in the next few months.

@nickhodgson3873 2 жыл бұрын

This looks like it’s near the Indian Valley Reservoir in Lake County. Nice area, but definitely confusing. Enjoy!

@Dennis-1367 2 жыл бұрын

Gosh I am jealous. The immense vastness of just nothing, no agriculture, no people. I am still looking for spots like these in Europe. Btw the truck turned out pretty great! Also, I think you have to make a merch shop for shirts like the channel one of yours. Also, the filmmaking is perfect!

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dennis! The shirts are available. Normally you should see them listed right here on KZfaq under the video, but maybe that doesn't show up on all devices. Try: my-store-b719d6.creator-spring.com/apparel

@pala4833 2 жыл бұрын

That was fun. Thanks for sharing.

@89faul 2 жыл бұрын

Here in Colorado we have a ton of FS roads that cross private land. Almost every FS road is public use and the landowners cannot legally close a road to traffic. If you leave the road that is trespassing, but the road is fair game. Also there are frequently closed gates, but they are typically unlocked.

@taco472 2 жыл бұрын

That looked like the best camp site by far to me. I have to wonder watching some ‘KZfaqrs’ ...”oh we found this epic spot “ and I’m thinking “dude , you are at 7000 feet and there’s nothing to block the wind between you and Chicago to the east and Hawaii to the west “. Not for me. Thx for sharing. 👍

@anthonydurling4093 2 жыл бұрын

Fabulous video

@scottymac5174 2 жыл бұрын

Some huge, recent forest fires through that area. It used to be so more wooded and beautiful.

@davidmelis9895 2 жыл бұрын

Hope that you were able to enjoy one of the many great breweries in Auburn! 🍻

@sagebrushbob2321 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry Donald, but I have to side with Jason on this one. I've been quite satisfied with the Fireside Outdoors fire pit he uses. It packs up small, easy to setup, fits small or large firewood, and costs half as much as the Snowpeak. Best thing about both is the ability to tuck your feet under them on a cold night. They pretty much eliminate the problem of melting the soles off the front of your boots trying to warm your feet around a ground fire pit (don't ask).

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

Haha, I don't *dislike* his firepit...it works great and is unquestionably superior for cooking. I just have also always loved the Snowpeak...burns really well and creates nice heat with very little wood. I have no criticism of Jason's fire pit, but he has repeatedly told me why he doesn't like the Snowpeak...that's the only reason I spoke his name here. :-) The tucking your toes under them is one of my favorite aspects of both, yes. I love gear that's fast and simple and the instant setup & breakdown of the Snowpeak wins out for me. :-)

@ncbassmix 2 жыл бұрын

Looks like you had to come in Walker Ridge

@donaldhalls2189 2 жыл бұрын

I prefer the natural terrain than cropped green weed's all the best to you all

@chevyvantravel9735 2 жыл бұрын

Great video!

@gringo3009 2 жыл бұрын

Good stuff!

@marcomcdowell8861 2 жыл бұрын

I know a lot of "Private Property" signs get posted on public roads by the adjacent land owner(s) just to keep people out of the area. I'll wager the reason that sign was so ambiguous because whoever stapled it there was trying to do just that.

@Franknank 2 жыл бұрын

Simple camp kitchen, that includes Makers Mark, my kinda kitchen

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

Haha, good eye. I bounce back and forth between Makers Mark and Bulliet, both really nicely sippable bourbons at a fair price.

@Franknank 2 жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest May be thought by some as sacrilege , but drop a shot into some hot apple cider mix on those cool evenings.

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

@@Franknank That sounds pretty good to me!

@youngk.1838 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting you got container for the little chainsaw.

@jayjohnson7827 2 жыл бұрын

Reminds me of the Tillamook burns back in the 70's.

@brentwalker1374 2 жыл бұрын

You should have kept going straight passed where you turned. You weren’t that far from Indian Valley Springs reservoir. There’s a couple very large cattle ranches, very scenic drive!

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

Not sure which turn you are referring to? I did pass directly across the northern end of Indian Valley Springs reservoir, shortly after the clip with the truck driving past the little creek waterfall. I didn't film the reservoir itself as the water was so low, it was like 3/4 mile away from the road. In planning the route, I thought this might be a point of interest, but I didn't want to divert onto an hourlong side trip just to get to the water. :-)

@brentwalker1374 2 жыл бұрын

The bridge where you took your snack break, I’ve been there quite a few times, I like to let my dogs run around and play in the water. You want stay on the main road that got you to the bridge, further up the road it you’ll pass several nice residences/ranches along the way. The road follows a stream or river and climbs in elevation, at that point you get more into the pines, at least what is left anyways. I believe that road will end somewhere in or near Clearlake, It’s a long hall.

@Realtor_eliot_portland 2 жыл бұрын

Go Cougs!!!

@brentwalker1374 2 жыл бұрын

Your second route would taken you into the national forest, you were close when you stopped for your snack, you should have back tracked to the road you came in on and then continued on. Watch out for the motorcycles and quads racing around on those roads, it gets a little dangerous!

@NarleyAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻, CA gas prices are insane!

@dennisharvey4499 2 жыл бұрын

Petrol (gas) in UK is equivalent of 12 dollars per gallon. Is CA higher than that?

@NarleyAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

@@dennisharvey4499 Close to $7

@dennisharvey4499 2 жыл бұрын

@@NarleyAdventures That would be almost half price for us.

@NarleyAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

@@dennisharvey4499 Right I understand, we have a bit more countryside to explore than you though. A little over a year ago it was at or under $2/gal.

@pbsalfen 2 жыл бұрын

@@NarleyAdventures "At or under $2/gal"? Where the heck do YOU live? It's been over $3/gal, in Oregon, for more than 2 years.

@evelynwaugh4053 2 жыл бұрын

It looks like you're a little north of 20. There are lots of NFS roads through the Medocino Range, but they get really, really steep fast.

@bah5310 2 жыл бұрын

Nice trip Donald. That first camp site looked like something out of Witcher. What knife do you have for splitting the wood? I hope that was P.O. coffee

@scottymac5174 2 жыл бұрын

If you follow Southwest Idaho Overlanding. His latest post. A Nissan like yours with 33" tires. Has not done the mods to the front bumper like you. It has been done, seeing it in action is cool.

@sierramantrvlnus 2 жыл бұрын

Yay!

@onasledoverland 2 жыл бұрын

OMG! Talk about mud coffee. 😵‍💫 😏

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

Properly made cowboy coffee isn't muddy at all. It makes such a great cup of coffee that these days I usually make cowboy coffee at home too instead of using my moka pot, French press, or pour-over cone (all of which also make excellent coffee...but the cowboy coffee is right up there with those other methods).

@RVingwithG 2 жыл бұрын

I like your new word . 4:25

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

I'd like to take credit, but "tidily" is simply the proper adverb form of tidy. :-)

@codyberning7832 2 жыл бұрын

First comment! Can't wait for the rest of this series

@Alex_556 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! How's the cap length extension works so far? Also, just curious, what mpg your Frontier has when offroading? My Titan gives me 9 mpg at best, about 180 miles per tank.

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

I LOOOOVE the extension, I was seriously grumbling in the process because it took WAY longer than I expected and cost more than I'd hoped, but it has completely transformed my experience...totally worth the time and money. MPGs creep down to about 13 on the trail (or a couple weeks of around-town driving). Best I can get is about 15 on the highway rolling at 60 mph...it starts slipping back down at freeway speeds of 65+ mph.

@Alex_556 2 жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest I think it's a genius solution for a short bed canopy! Even though it looks awkward outside :)

@peterstubbs8587 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! You're in my area. I would love to drive those trails. Do you share your routes?

@marshalhedin7538 2 жыл бұрын

bummer to see that once beautiful high elevation forest completely toasted :(

@PaydayGabeBCNV 2 жыл бұрын

The stance of the truck is perfect 👍. Was that instant coffee or cowboy style w/ real coffee grounds??

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

Cowboy coffee with regular grounds. It makes such a good cup of coffee that this is usually what I do at home as well instead of my moka pot, French press, or pour over cone.

@PaydayGabeBCNV 2 жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest ,, 👍thanks for the reply Amigo.. enjoy the journey. Cheers 🍻, G.

@RVingwithG 2 жыл бұрын

How is your FOOT BOX working out. I could see a Diesel Heater put in there (temp-winter time) and a small fan on the angled roof part.

@erichughes9098 2 жыл бұрын

😎👍

@RVingwithG 2 жыл бұрын

@ 2:11 Did you READ THE SIGN??? Was the Hot Springs "Closed" for the day. I had friends go there before, and maybe the gate was open..? @ 2:00 "Caution- Closed Gate" doesn't mean LOCKED!

@therootedprogress 2 жыл бұрын

Even in California, your still cutting away downed trees ☺️

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

Haha...there's no escape :-)

@chilidog73 4 ай бұрын

That was some mighty thick coffee. :/ No filter?

@softroadingthewest 4 ай бұрын

Cowboy coffee. You pour in a little cold water after the boil and then let it sit for a few minutes. The grounds settle to the bottom nicely and you get a remarkably clean pour off the top. The nice thing about cowboy coffee is that you don't need any dedicated coffee-making gear. Just something you can boil water in and some coffee. I follow Cowboy Kent Rollins' technique: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bbtxordjlsvViH0.html

@softroadingthewest 4 ай бұрын

Also meant to add...it makes a superb cup of coffee. Full flavored but less acidic than standard drip coffee.

@chilidog73 4 ай бұрын

I'll have to try it! I love Cowboy Kent.

@jacobnicoletti1235 Жыл бұрын

Not sure if you’ll see this. But how are you able to find these places that aren’t on private property for exploring/camping? Do you use a certain website or app? Please let us know or make a video about it. I’m building up my Frontier right now and I’m looking to get out and explore and camp but I want to avoid ending up on someone’s property.

@softroadingthewest Жыл бұрын

I plan trips based around areas of public land such as national forests and tracts of BLM land. It is helpful to acquaint yourself with where national forests are, either in your area or in the area of your destination. I use Gaia GPS both for planning from home and while navigating out in the field, as they have public lands and land ownership map layers you can toggle on that clearly show national forest and BLM lands.

@dlansburg2673 2 жыл бұрын

Next Time you see Jason tell him white man build big fire and stand way back Indian build small fire and stand close

@MrBmansell 2 жыл бұрын

What road is that is it M5 where you found a campsite at the end?

@westcoast9285 2 жыл бұрын

Go up horse mountain in humboldt if your in mendo. Blm land

@chrisnesbit6823 2 жыл бұрын

A little surprised you are running at 40psi normally... Seems a bit high and would lead to premature/ uneven tread wear

@shaunmulcahy7496 2 жыл бұрын

Have you ever tried planning for gold in any of the rivers you have camped near ?

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

I've panned for gold once or twice, but I generally don't have that kind of time on my hands...I'm usually running from before dawn until after dark filming. :-)

@swidahooverlanding2867 2 жыл бұрын

Second! Now to watch.... Too bad about the fire. Looks like it would have been a great area if the trees were not converted to widow makers. At least you found a nice place to camp. Amazingly it does seem you can find beauty everywhere.

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

Being out exploring even the most disappointing terrain is still better than being stuck behind my computer. :-) Ultimately I can't complain too much about my day. The old bridge was cool, it was nice to chill by the river, and I was happy with the payoff late in the day, both the mountain(almost)top and the campsite. Day two and day three got even better with some guidance from locals. :-)

@swidahooverlanding2867 2 жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest I hear ya. Most people don't like the desert. It relaxes me to see for miles and find interesting little oasis.

@eugeniomoore3920 2 жыл бұрын

Why does everybody boil the water to make coffee? It gets burned that way! 😢

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

It most certainly does not get burned. Have you ever made cowboy coffee? It creates a delicious, mellow but full flavored brew that is also easier to digest. Check out Cowboy Kent Rollins, I follow his method and I like this coffee so much, I actually make it this way at home instead of using my moka pot, French press, or pour over cone.

@darrenrich2403 2 жыл бұрын

I think Jason is wrong. He burns way more fire wood than he needs for just one person.

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

Haha, well, he has the luxury of having ample firewood virtually at his doorstep at all times. And I will say, the fire pit he uses does work great and is unquestionably better for cooking, as you can pull some coals over to one corner to cook on while keeping a fire going in the other corner...that's impossible with the Snowpeak. :-)

@theflyfishingnomad9641 2 жыл бұрын

My understanding, and this comes from BLM, is that crossing private land to access BLM or Forest Service land, is allowed unless there is a locked gate.

@softroadingthewest 2 жыл бұрын

I definitely need to look into this more fully. I always balk at driving through someone's property when there's any kind of signage, but it would be good to know exactly what my rights are in this respect as it happens often. Thanks!

@collinneuhauser9655 2 жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest At least for USFS you can usually tell on the MVUM layer in GAIA if there is a USFS right of way. Figuring out county and BLM ROWs is a bit harder but usually if the road looks decently maintained and there is no locked gate you are fine.