Beyondnature1980 | High Sierra Explorer
Deep-dive into the rugged beauty of the Sierra-Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia & Kings Canyon. From day treks to serene stays at Cats Head Campsite, I share guides on hiking, camping, and sustainable wilderness exploration.
Following Theodore Roosevelt’s lead, I view these lands as a "sacred trust" to be cherished for generations. Whether it’s the "history and romance" of the trail or adding "life to your years," my mission is to help you navigate the High Sierra with purpose.
Speak softly, carry a big stick, and let’s explore the heritage of the Great Outdoors.
beyondnature1980
Beyond the Vista: The Road to Cats Head 🌲🏔️
Hey community @beyondnature1980 🥾🌲🏕
There is nothing quite like the descent from Dinkey-Trimmer Rd. That massive vista of Pine Flat Reservoir shimmering in the distance is the perfect gateway to the rugged history waiting below.
We followed Forest Route 9 deep into the canyon to reach the elusive Cats Head Campground. Sitting right at the junction of Nutmeg and Big Creek, this spot is a time capsule. It was first settled by the early Fresno pioneers in the 1800s before becoming a vital hub for San Joaquin Power in the early 1900s. 🛠️⚡
Under the granite gaze of Cats Head Mountain, we put in some work—cutting a fallen tree near the creek to keep the site clear and experiencing the same raw wilderness those early settlers faced. No signal, no noise, just the roar of Big Creek and the legacy of the pioneers who built the "Hardest Working Water in the World."
It’s a reminder that every great view has an even greater story hidden beneath the canopy.
Check out the journey in our latest Short here: 🎬 youtube.com/shorts/_H51hrouQP...
Join the conversation—have you ever explored the backroads overlooking Pine Flat? What’s your favorite Sierra "secret"? ⬇️
#beyondnature1980 #DinkeyCreek #TrimmerSpringsRd #CatsHeadMountain #SierraHistory #BigCreek #CaliforniaBackcountry #Overlanding
1 week ago | [YT] | 26
View 3 replies
beyondnature1980
Two Worlds, One Love for Nature 🌍🌲🌲🌲🥾🏕🪓
There is something hauntingly beautiful about the Russian winter. I just finished watching Forest Secrets navigate a heavy snowfall at -25°C.
Even though my content on @beyondnature1980 focuses on the unique biodiversity of California’s Great Valley, I have a massive amount of respect for the resilience required to thrive in the Russian taiga. Nature is harsh, beautiful, and diverse no matter where you are on the map. 🇷🇺🇺🇸
Take a look at how they manage the Cold/Snow⬇️ #WinterSurvival#ForestHut #BeyondNature1980 #RussianTaiga #Nature
1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 7
View 1 reply
beyondnature1980
Life starts where the trail ends. 🌲🥾
"Go Your Own Way" @beyondnature1980 isn't just a phrase—it's how we live every time we step into the wild. I wanted to design something that celebrates that spirit of independence and discovery.
The new collection is officially live on the Spring store! Whether you’re hitting a new summit or just taking the path less traveled, I hope this gear reminds you to trust your own compass.
Link: my-store-100d161.creator-spring.com/listing/explor…
Question to ask: Where is the next "unbeaten path" you’re planning to explore? Let me know below! 👇
#beyondnature1980 #springstore #hikinggear #youtubestore #campinggear #outdoorgear
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 4
View 6 replies
beyondnature1980
The Call of Cats Head @beyondnature1980 🥾🏕🌲⛰️
Chasing ghosts of the Sierras on Forest Route 9, we found the elusive Cats Head Campground. Nestled beneath the granite gaze of Cats Head Mountain, this spot sits at the junction of Nutmeg and Big Creek.
It’s a place steeped in history—carved out a century ago for the "Hardest Working Water in the World" hydroelectric project. Imagine the pioneers who braved this rugged terrain to build San Joaquin Power in Fresno, CA during the 1900s. No signal here, just the roar of the creek and ancient pines. It’s stepping back in time where the pavement ends.🏞🌲
Goggle maps review beyondnature1980
maps.app.goo.gl/qq5ZMaaKYnGyoihM6
#BeyondNature1980 #SierraNationalForest #BigCreek #ExploreMore
2 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 25
View 2 replies
beyondnature1980
For our next journey, @beyondnature1980 heading to the rugged northern shores of Lake Success to explore the Old CA 190 trail. This area is a beautiful intersection of history and resilience, where the old highway was left behind to let nature take back the reins.
Walking this trail feels like stepping into a living sanctuary. We’ll be moving through a canopy of ancient Oaks and Sycamores that line the ridge, providing shade for the local wildlife. But the real magic happens at the water’s edge—keep an eye out for the ghostly submerged Willow trees standing tall in the cove. They create an incredible underwater forest that's become a haven for fish and a favorite perch for the American White Pelicans and herons that haunt these shores. 🦢
Beyond the trees, the hills are alive with a different kind of rhythm. We’re visiting during the grazing season, which means we might cross paths with the local ranchers and their sheep. There is something truly timeless about watching a shepherd dog work those hills—focused, silent, and perfectly in tune with the flock.
This video is all about the quiet details: the sound of the wind through the sycamores, the history buried under the rising tide, and the working landscapes that still define our region.
Stay tuned—the full exploration of Gill Cove drops soon!
In the meantime, tell me: What's your favorite bird to spot near the water? Let me know in the comments!
#lakesuccess #hikeadventure #camp #outdoor #expedition
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 8
View 2 replies
beyondnature1980
NEWS REPORT: The Legacy and Scandal of Dinuba’s Port of Ivory
DINUBA, CA — The land at Avenue 430 holds a century of transformation, from the 1949 roots of the Ivory Pine Company—pioneers in logging prior to the Sequoia National Monument's 2000 preservation—to a modern industrial hub. However, this historic ground is now synonymous with a massive federal fraud case.
Between 2015 and 2017, Richard Best Transfer Inc. (RBT), operating at the terminal alongside Miramonte Sanitation, became the center of a $4.8 million canola theft scheme. Owner Richard Best and associate Shawn Sawa were convicted of selling stolen livestock feed to fund luxury lifestyles. Following the scandal, the site was rebranded as the Ivory Choice Terminal under new ownership in 2021, marking a new chapter for this storied landscape.
www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/central-valley-corpor…
#PortOfIvory #DinubaHistory #SequoiaNationalMonument #RichardBest #FederalFraud #BeyondNature1980 #CentralValleyNews
1 month ago | [YT] | 20
View 5 replies
beyondnature1980
Huge changes are coming to @beyondnature1980 🥾🏕🪓🌲📽️
I’ve been spending time exploring the Richard L. Schafer Dam (formerly Success Dam) just outside of Porterville, and the transformation is incredible. With the $135 million spillway enlargement project now complete as of 2025, the lake’s capacity has jumped by 28,000 acre-feet!
It’s not just a feat of engineering; it’s a whole new landscape to explore. From the massive new 10-foot weir to the expanded recreation areas, there is so much history and nature to uncover here.
Coming up next on the channel:
I’m kicking off a new series of adventures right here in Lake Success, Porterville, California. We’ll be diving into:
🥾 Hidden Trails: Exploring the Sierra Nevada foothills.
🎣 Fisherman’s Paradise: Scouting the best spots for bass and crappie in the new high-water zones.
🏗️ The Engineering: A closer look at how this dam protects over 60,000 people.
Stay tuned for the first episode—you won't want to miss these views!
What part of Lake Success should I explore first? Let me know in the comments! 👇
#BeyondNature1980 #LakeSuccess #Porterville #RichardLSchaferDam #CaliforniaAdventure #NatureDocumentary #ExploreCA
1 month ago | [YT] | 84
View 5 replies
beyondnature1980
The Heart of the High Sierra: Nutmeg & Trimmer Dinkey road
Nestled at the edge of the Dinkey Campground, the area around Nutmeg Campground and Forest Road 9 serves as a rugged gateway to some of the Sierra National Forest's most pristine landscapes. Rising high above the Kings River, this region offers a dramatic transition from oak foothills to towering pines. Interestingly, the nearby Dinkey Creek (and its famous campground) earned its name from a tragic 1863 incident involving a pioneer's brave dog named "Dinkey," who was injured while defending his owner from a grizzly bear. Today, that spirit of adventure lives on for those who seek the solitude of the backcountry. To see exactly how to navigate this terrain and find the best spots, check out my featured video:
https://youtu.be/dQB8_q_by1o?si=SDoHy...
#sierranationalforest #dinkeycampground #trimmerspringsroad #bigcreekroad
1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 23
View 3 replies
beyondnature1980
My new video exploring the hidden beauty of Bretz Mill Campground in the Sierra National Forest. If you love the sound of rushing creeks and the peacefulness of a secluded forest trail, this one is for you!
Bretz Mill is a true hidden gem—a perfect spot to disconnect and soak in the natural history of the Sierras.
Watch the full journey here: [Link to Video: https://youtu.be/H2901Bg2nu0?si=ZEg6S...
Let’s Stay Connected!
If you enjoy these nature escapes, make sure you’re following along on both platforms for more updates, behind-the-scenes shots, and scenic photography:
YouTube: @beyondnature1980 (Subscribe for full explorations!)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/beyondnature1980?igsh=MzRlODBiNW… (Follow for daily nature photography.
Question for you: What is your favorite "hidden gem" spot to hike or relax? Let me know in the comments! 👇
#SierraNationalForest #BretzMill #Campground #HikingAdventures #BeyondNature1980
1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 27
View 3 replies
Load more