This solo PNW adventure didn’t go as expected, but in the best possible way

Рет қаралды 29,986

5 ай бұрын

On this solo exploring & camping adventure, I was surprised by what I DIDN'T encounter out there. Join me for a wet but beautiful excursion through the lush temperate rainforest of the Oregon Coast Range mountains.
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#soloadventures #wintercamping #oregon #nissanfrontier #topotoppers #dispersedcamping #solocamping

Пікірлер: 108

@PrimalOutdoors 5 ай бұрын

I am astonished as well. I am astonished you cooked on a fire, and I am astonished you don’t know how to sew. I guess I will have to teach you. What I am not astonished about is how good this video was, you always do an astonishing good job at showcasing the beautiful locations you visit. See you next week. Jason

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

Oh yay, I'm so glad to have provided you with another word for you to parrot back at me 20 times a day. 🦜🤣

@367spartan 5 ай бұрын

There's always "just one more trail to explore" then the next thing you know you're setting up in the dark! Awesome vid.

@9gagerofl 5 ай бұрын

as a native texan. it both excites me and saddens me that public land like this is still available. here in texas, public land is near non existent. I have to travel far distances to get to any real public land, State parks being the real exception. what a treat it must be to live in a state that has all this available to you, just begging you to go out and explore it. maybe in another life i could live there, just too established to move now. thank you for showing us the beauty of our country.

@brittlanders351 5 ай бұрын

You’re exactly right! I’m a Texan that lives in Oregon now. It’s not perfect by any means, but it does have public land going for it.

@tomas5376 5 ай бұрын

Nice to find some great exploring close to home!

@JCreole 5 ай бұрын

Cinematography and editing was spot on 👍

@brulew976 5 ай бұрын

Amazing footage. The funny part is that you pushed for a better campsite to enjoy the creek but by the time you got there, it was dark.

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

LOL indeed, but I had fun looking. I think it's more about the treasure hunt than the actual treasure...I love that triumphant moment of finding THE campsite. 😄

@LoveTribeOverland 5 ай бұрын

@softroadingthewest besides.... the creek was still there in the morning and you got to listen to it all night. I call that a win.

@brulew976 5 ай бұрын

@@LoveTribeOverland Yes, but if you recall, his first site he could hear the creek but couldn't see it prompting him to move on.

@maingig1 5 ай бұрын

I really enjoy these traditional basic overnight videos like you and Jason did few years back..... short but relaxing! Also the fine dining outside too!

@metaxaanabeer 5 ай бұрын

Hey, Donald, a sewing store will sell you a seam or hem tape that you can iron on. I've only ever seen it in white but it would do you well on that rear window shade cover thing. Nice to see you recovering from your wacky winter. We missed any ice storms up on northern Vancouver Island but did get a week long blast of fridged weather and some snow. Weird winter for sure.

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

So I don't have a sewing machine, and I also don't have an iron. 😆 But the iron-on hem at least feels within the realm of my abilities...might have to see if I can find an iron on Craigslist.

@jenb.6440 5 ай бұрын

You are so authentic, we really appreciate you and your work! Thank you for sharing 🙏

@stanw909 5 ай бұрын

Use hem tape for your projects. Simply fold your hem with the tape in it and iron. Stitch Witchery was / is ? a brand. Just go to any place with a sewing department. Walmart carries some form of it. Thanks for the videos.

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

So I don't have a sewing machine, and I also don't have an iron. 😆 But the iron-on hem at least feels within the realm of my abilities...maybe I can find an iron on Craigslist. 😏

@jndoerr 5 ай бұрын

I’m really excited to see your feedback on the area. I’m planning a trip this summer going through that forest and ending in Bend. Now I can hardly wait!

@greenlanternfish 5 ай бұрын

Great stuff, Donald. This is certainly some classic Softroading content!

@acoupleofscrewsloose 5 ай бұрын

You’ve found an area that we like to explore. To find great spots, as you know, requires you to get out there and explore. It’s how we do it too. Your video certainly captures the wet, lush coastal range. Thanks for sharing!

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

Exactly, when you get out there and explore, you find stuff! Nice meeting you the other day!

@acoupleofscrewsloose 5 ай бұрын

@@softroadingthewest It was fun to finally meet you after all these years watching your videos and us living in the same area it was bound to happen that I'd bump into you. I saw you and I pointed you out to my son and I told him that I was going to see if you'd react if I pretended that you were not there while you were looking at stuff near us and I started talking loudly about some guy named Donald. After saying your name loud enough and talking about this guy being on youtube I was about to say something about how Jason really should get a different side-kick when I realized you were right behind me. Hahaha...

@909lilac 5 ай бұрын

Great content Donald. I'm sure there's plenty of camera work to make your productions so immersive. Always look forward to what you'll show me next.

@bradlininger6393 5 ай бұрын

The best thing about the northwest is all the forest and roads to explore if it wasn't for logging we wouldn't see a lot of it by the way to our service engine light is on might let us know why love your truck keep it alive

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

The CEL cycles on an off periodically dues to the gas tank evap system, it's an ongoing issue and common with the Frontier/Xterra. They get clogged with dust too easily. I've completely dismantled, cleaned, and re-assembled everything which helped for a while but I may need to replace a few components. Per my research it does not impact the truck's performance, so it's not a huge concern. The biggest problem it causes is viewers concerned about my check engine light. :-)

@campoutwestus 5 ай бұрын

I love it when a plan comes together! Great video, happy camping 👍

@corpsdiscovery 5 ай бұрын

Some great cinematography and editing on this one! Congrats on your work.

@JCreole 5 ай бұрын

I agree 👍

@midnightadventureswa 5 ай бұрын

Well done looking forward to you and Jason having some camping trip over in that place and Jason teaching you how to sewing techniques have a good One

@explore_off_road 5 ай бұрын

Looks like an amazing area. We may be Jeep people, but it's a nice change to see a done up Nissan Frontier. Looks like a great set up

@KnittedSchnauzer 5 ай бұрын

Beautifully told story, as usual. I think your filming on the inside of the Topo Topper is one of the best illustrations of what it is like to be on the inside. Very nice discovery.

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

Thanks Bill! I keep meaning to show a bit of the camper life but I'm usually too wiped out after a day of driving and filming, and mornings I usually need to jump out for that dawn footage. In some ways that sunrise that never came was a good thing. 😄

@user-cy6nr1hk8f Ай бұрын

Hey Don, I recently discovered your videos and really enjoyed them. My situation prevents me from doing what you are doing, but I'm enjoying going along for the ride from the comfort of my living room, thanks. Anyway, you commented about your curtain for your back window and how it is fraying. I have an idea for you that requires no sewing. There are these scissors called "Pinking Shears", they are simply a pair of scissors with zig zag blades which prevent fraying. I've used them several types of cloth and they work great! Cheers!

@softroadingthewest Ай бұрын

Interesting idea. I think my mom has pinking shears. I knew about the zigzag cut but assumed it was purely a decorative thing, I didn't know it would prevent fraying. That is a very simple solution I can easily try...thanks!

@susang994 5 ай бұрын

Great video. Being from Washington that is very familiar scenery and always a treat.

@scottminshall6420 5 ай бұрын

Great video Donald! Beautiful scenery, and yes a little damp.

@danschneider2281 5 ай бұрын

Yet another amazing video. You've got the best stuff out there

@kellypoulos8702 5 ай бұрын

Truly beautiful, thank you for sharing!

@scottday9679 5 ай бұрын

Keep up keep up the good work love your video I used to camp two weeks out of the year with my family

@jaystewart9947 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your trip with us Donald. Looking forward to your return during another trip and nicer weather. Great find.

@04JALD 5 ай бұрын

Good afternoon Donald. I was in that white out that oregon had. It was bad. A lot of vehicles and semis crashed off the freeway. I will be going through oregon today from California to Hermiston OR. I am a walmart truck driver. Great video again Donald. Thank you.

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

That was a crazy storm! Stay safe out there!

@04JALD 5 ай бұрын

@@softroadingthewest I will thank you and you as well

@davidmills1639 5 ай бұрын

What a great video! The music was a nice addition

@geocacheOR 5 ай бұрын

I rather enjoyed your little jaunt through this forest I spent over 32 years working as a forester! I recognized 90% of the footage. Retired in 2011, moved away and haven't seen these roads since then. They look in great shape ! Thanks for sharing.

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

That's a nice way to go to the "office!" 😄 What a lovely asset this is to our state...thanks for having been a part of it!

@brotherheed00 5 ай бұрын

The satisfaction of scoring a “good camp site” after a long day of back road driving is just the best. The wife and I I believe mare more hooked on the hunt and the trip more than anything as we never stay more than one night even when it’s “the perfect spot “.

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

Haha, yes, that is it exactly! The fun is in the treasure hunt more than the treasure. 😄

@Dutch1951x 5 ай бұрын

Great video! Thanks!

@bobgiddings0 5 ай бұрын

I notice you hit a lot of overhead limbs, mostly small. Would it be a good idea to protect the leading edge of your camper with some sort of bumper? First thing that comes to mind is a piece of pvc that will sacrifice itself by taking the blow. A small piece would do, but a larger diameter might serve as storage for fishing poles, etc.

@louiskudlak2241 5 ай бұрын

Beautiful 🤩

@firstpathfrontier 5 ай бұрын

Very nice! Beautiful discoveries.

@satajet883 5 ай бұрын

Solid video Sir

@warrenscorner 5 ай бұрын

Great video Donald!

@frankansley7941 5 ай бұрын

Nice trip! Thanks for taking us with you.

@gavincregan7892 5 ай бұрын

Nice work! One of my favorite videos in a bit.

@mikepierson3097 5 ай бұрын

Fun video, beautiful area- thanks, Donald!

@HitchedUpHeadingOut 5 ай бұрын

I grew up in Tillamook and now live in Central California. I sure don’t miss the PNW rain, but I do love visiting the forests! We’ll be up in the area in June.

@the_mountains_our_calling4809 5 ай бұрын

Another great video! It's refreshing to finally see you have good luck exploring all those spur roads, no locked gates, no large blow downs. Looking forward to a future video of you returning to that site maybe in the summer and being able to it in all it's glory in the daylight. Almost tempted to scroll down in the comments to see if Jason is being Jason and saying something like "nice fire, I taught you well" or something of that nature 😂

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

I will definitely return, I barely scratched the surface and it was such a pleasure to roll so freely through western Oregon forestland, which I truly love. Thanks for watching!

@madcratebuilder 5 ай бұрын

This is my favorite part of the state. In the late 50's as a boy I would spend summers in that area at my Grandparents ranch, wonderful memories. The more I see the inside of your topper I wish I had gone that route. I have limited headroom in my rig, only good for sleeping. Great video, thanks.

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

I'm kicking myself for having sort of dismissed this whole area for so many years. I'm looking forward to checking it out further. Thanks!

@prolificnorthwest 5 ай бұрын

Great video! That’s a really pretty part of the state. Thanks for sharing.

@keithhumco 5 ай бұрын

Now you know why we who live on the coast. Love the Pacific Northwest so much the beauty. The weather none of that. God forbid heat.

@JohnConnor636 2 ай бұрын

I might have missed it, but this looks like a place you've been.

@softroadingthewest 2 ай бұрын

It looks like a _lot_ of places I've been. 😄Pretty much anywhere you poke up into western Oregon forests, it looks very similar. Same dense vegetation, similar topography of steep, volcanic-formed mountains, creeks & rivers running through deep valleys, graveled logging roads and overgrown forgotten trails. This was the first time I'd ever explored this particular patch of Oregon forest. This parcel is owned & managed by the state of Oregon, the first time I'd visited an Oregon forest that wasn't federally-owned National Forest or Bureau of Land Management lands.

@JohnConnor636 2 ай бұрын

@@softroadingthewest such a great location!

@marcericdavis 5 ай бұрын

Good video. How about a couple LED flood lights for campsite setup? How about installing a radiator heater running off the engine in the back of the truck? Some of the old toyota land cruisers had that. Remote start for the engine. You could add quick disconnects to the heater so you could remove it for cargo. Not very fuel efficient. But it only uses one fuel. There are also the "new" chinese hydronic heaters that will run off gas, but that ais a bigger install I guess.

@barnetts9812 5 ай бұрын

Still dark early outside? I would go back to bed 😅

@elflordsjourneys 5 ай бұрын

Me too😴

@Me4ok 5 ай бұрын

Just a thank you Donald. Very pleasant trip with great pretty nivece footages and your style of presenting whatever came to you. Thanks ;)

@johndej 5 ай бұрын

This is another great video. The location looks like a great find. Hopefully you can do more exploring and sharing that with us.

@scottandsheilaricca351 5 ай бұрын

Great video! Was actually able to find, using onx, the route you showed on your map. Hope to check out the area soon!

@travelscotty 5 ай бұрын

Duuude, great shot around 10:43

@dsmt8703 5 ай бұрын

Lots of possible options on the road system for valley or beach connections. It’s been a good long time since I have been up there. Thank you for the look.

@jeepncj7 3 ай бұрын

You are the second person i have seen using a space heater to get some dry hot air in in the mornings (or when going to bed). It used to be unthinkable given the power needs, but with these now power stations its a cool option. Once i hook up my DC-DC charger (Victron) in my rig for the Delta 2 I have ill try it out.

@swidahooverlanding2867 5 ай бұрын

I am using a 350 watt electric heater in my trailer and it works pretty good. Gets to temp quick. Smaller area and insulated better than the topper though. Looks like a cool place to explore. Thanks for sharing! George.

@feminazislayer 5 ай бұрын

Awesome looking place, I bet fall is the best there.

@revyred8679 5 ай бұрын

They have a fabric iron trim bias tape for your curtains. Just love your videos. Thank you for sharing.

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

So I don't have a sewing machine, and I also don't have an iron. 😆 But the iron-on hem at least feels within the realm of my abilities...maybe I can find an iron on Craigslist. 😏

@FramedProductions 5 ай бұрын

I explore out around Tillamook State Forest often and find that is is easier to get into and around than a lot of the National Park and National Forest land in western OR. Looks like a great trip even with the rain!

@acoupleofscrewsloose 5 ай бұрын

Tillamook State Forest is an area that we have been talking about checking out. We are in the Eugene area so it’s not far for us to go and explore.

@rippinaroundeverywhere9249 4 ай бұрын

Loon lake, my dad lives up there...

@wodgesad 5 ай бұрын

You can use a 12v step up converter to increase the voltage from the running truck to 24v upwards you can then plug this feed into your Jackery solar input and it will charge much faster. I can charge my Ecoflow Delta 2 in from 10 to 80% in 100 minutes using this method. For emergencies I also carry a seperate 1kw 12-240v inverter which I can attach to my truck battery and then I can charge in 50minutes. You can do the same with 110 I would imagine but I’m not sure of the specs on the power stations for US versions.

@georgestark4100 5 ай бұрын

I live in Coos Bay and we have had a lot of rain this winter

@clifford_overland 5 ай бұрын

Alright Donald, you need to come over and visit and I'll put a seam on that window blind for ya.

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

Oh good, I was hoping my seamstress would come through for me 😂 I've got a few socks that need darning as well.

@clifford_overland 5 ай бұрын

@@softroadingthewest 🤣🤣🤣 that's seamster to you and no socks!

@timjchick 5 ай бұрын

Are you liking that top? It looks like it’s really nice.

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

Very much so, this is by far the best way I've ever camped.

@Lowellian1 5 ай бұрын

As for hemming fabrics with no machine; Wal mart sewing area has IRON ON rolls you can simply fold, place it in fold and iron glue it. Very secure stuff. Deals edges keeps the fraying down. 😊

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

So I don't have a sewing machine, and I also don't have an iron. 😆 But the iron-on hem at least feels within the realm of my abilities...maybe I can find an iron on Craigslist. 😏

@Lowellian1 5 ай бұрын

@@softroadingthewest goodwill or Wal mart. Cheap as $10 or less!

@Bimmerrx7 5 ай бұрын

Great video. Nice music during the first dirt road driving section. What was the song?

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

It's just a piece of stock music. All my soundtrack music is licensed via a music service called Epidemic. I generally acquire new music for each new episode and easily plow through 5 to 8 songs per episode, and honestly I can never remember titles/artists. Not a super helpful reply, LOL. :-)

@Bimmerrx7 5 ай бұрын

@@softroadingthewest thank you. At 10:00. Sounds like a banjo cover of Reckless Love by Cory Asbury. I appreciate your videos Donald. Thanks for taking time to put them together. Always great.

@myronbenware4452 5 ай бұрын

Was that a Harbor Freight welder you used to make your rear bumper?

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

It's the Everlast Cyclone 200e...I didn't buy it, it was left in my garage by a friend who didn't need it anymore. I'm not certain of its origins, but I believe it may indeed have come from Harbor Freight. It works significantly better than my previous Harbor Freight welder, the little Titanium 125.

@johnyx6754 5 ай бұрын

Another nice video .I want to ask why the owners of the lands close with bars their roads? What do they afraid?. Someone take the earth-dirt with him? If you open end close the gate and cumb there for couple of nights ,will you be arrested? And something else.What about a generator away from the vehicle, just for electric heating? Keep up and keep safe!

@rebeccadees2300 5 ай бұрын

Just curious if you have to be prepared for bears or other predators? I kept watching for Bigfoot!😂😂😂

@gordaro2828 5 ай бұрын

Partner, head up to B.C. You'll get lost forever! Cheers from Vancouver Island.

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

One day! I think my passport is expired though, I need to get on that! 😆

@joshfry4991 5 ай бұрын

Would be fun to fish that lake, could you help me find it?

@JCreole 5 ай бұрын

Looks like Sasquatch 🦶territory.

@softroadingthewest 5 ай бұрын

Absolutely.

@RVingwithG 5 ай бұрын

🎉🎉🎉🎉😮 wow, three campsites in Oregon that aren’t totally trashed by the homeless. surprise surprise congratulations my friend

@MISCIFMAKER 5 ай бұрын

Fyi , damaging your jackery life span , running 800 watt pull . Ok 3 min microwave blast , toasted my 2800 Patriot rate at 1800 watts only last 18 months , all due to small heater. Just n fyi . Happy Trails

@jeepncj7 3 ай бұрын

Depends on what your station is rated for and the battery chemistry. LiFePo4 like in my Delta 2 along with the inverter it has can handle that easily daily over at least 5 years with not much degradation.