Welcome to beyondnature1980 Your essential guide to deep-diving into the rugged beauty of the Sierra-Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.
​Join me for adventures from day backpacking treks to serene stays at locations like Cats Head Campsite along Big Creek in the Sierra NF. We cover hiking, camping, and sustainable wilderness exploration in the High Sierra.
​We believe, as Theodore Roosevelt did, that these places are a sacred trust:

​"Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children."

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
That one's always stuck with me.

"speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far" Theodore Roosevelt



beyondnature1980

Ever dreamt of waking up amidst the giants of Sequoia National Forest? We're taking you to the incredible Buck Rock Dispersed Campsites area, focusing on the rustic charm of Buck Rock Campground!
​Imagine setting up camp at a first-come, first-served site, complete with a fire ring and picnic table. But remember, this is true wilderness – no water, no trash service! You're the steward of this amazing place. We also cover the do's and don'ts of true dispersed camping nearby, from staying clear of water sources to understanding vital fire regulations.
​Get ready to explore! Make sure you check with the Hume Lake Ranger District before you go for the latest conditions. For more epic journeys and wilderness wisdom, follow outdoor beyondnature1980! What's your favorite part about forest camping? 🏕️

#SequoiaAdventures #OutdoorsBeyondNature1980 #BuckRock #CampingGoals #ExploreCalifornia #OutdoorLife

11 hours ago | [YT] | 12

beyondnature1980

Log Cabin... But it's an Actual Log 🪵

To take camouflage to the next level!
​The challenge: Can we make a fully functional, weather-tight shelter that looks exactly like a fallen tree trunk?
​This isn't just a build; it's a deep dive into bushcraft stealth and advanced natural building techniques. The goal is a perfect disguise—a shelter you could walk right past without ever noticing it was there.
​You have to see the progress we've made. Hit the link below or check out our latest video to watch us transform sticks and mud into a piece of the forest floor!
​What's the best camouflage job you've ever seen? Let us know in the comments! 👇
​Follow me for more outdoor content: Outdoor  @beyondnature1980 
Check out Athos's channel:  @ATHOSOutdoorProspector 

#LogShelter
#BushcraftBuild
#SurvivalShelter
#OutdoorBuild
#WoodlandCamouflage
#StealthCamping
#DIYShelter#OutdoorCommunity
#AthosOutdoorProspector
#​BeyondNature1980
#YouTubeCreators

3 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 26

beyondnature1980

MUST-WATCH: Building the ULTIMATE Natural Survival Shelter!
​Hey, ‪@beyondnature1980‬​ community! We’re diving deep into the art of primitive living with an incredible build from our friend ‪@ATHOSOutdoorProspector‬
​In this video, Athos begins construction on his epic "Tree Trunk" mud shelter—a cozy, insulated earth lodge shaped to blend seamlessly into the forest. Watch him transform raw branches and simple mud (cob) into a massive, durable, and warm structure. He shows us the true meaning of using what the land provides.
​What you’ll learn:
​How to sustainably source materials for a large-scale build.
​The principles of cob building for superior insulation.
​The foundational steps for a natural stone fireplace.
​Designing a shelter for both survival and long-term comfort!
​This is Part 1 of his journey, and it’s a masterclass in bushcraft engineering. Go give Athos a follow and let us know in the comments what you’d name this incredible tree house!

#Survival
#Bushcraft
#PrimitiveSkills
#OutdoorLife
#OffGrid
#Outdoors#MudShelter
#CobBuilding
#EarthLodge
#NaturalBuilding
#SurvivalShelter
#TreeTrunkHouse
#PrimitiveTechnology
#BushcraftShelter
#StoneFireplace#BeyondNature1980#AthosOutdoorProspector#SurvivalCommunity
#ProspectorLife

1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 25

beyondnature1980

What’s up, beyondnature1980 community! Look around. This isn't just a river; this is the Kings River, a churning artery of the Sierra Nevada, cutting a deep, wild canyon through the landscape. Today, our focus is entirely on this powerful body of water and the key historic landmarks that allow us to experience its raw power.
​The Kings River here, nestled in the Sequoia National Forest, is a magnificent force. From whitewater rafting to world-class fishing, the river defines every adventure in this canyon. And historically, if you wanted to access or manage this wilderness, you needed landmarks—and a place to stay.
​That brings us to our basecamp: the historic Camp Four and a Half Cabin. Built back in 1957, this rustic log cabin wasn't for tourists; it was the essential outpost for the Forest Service Rangers. For decades, it was their front line, a permanent presence against the backdrop of this massive river. Think about the countless management decisions, the emergency responses, and the quiet dedication that unfolded within these walls, all tied directly to the health and safety of the Kings River. It’s an irreplaceable piece of this canyon’s history.
​But to truly conquer and connect this deep gorge, the Kings River needed crossings.
First, there is Rogers Crossing. This bridge is a critical artery and a vital checkpoint for anyone navigating the lower Kings River. For the whitewater community, it's a famous launch or take-out point, signaling the start or end of some of the most thrilling Class III and IV runs. The crossing isn't just a point on a map; it's where the logistics of river adventure begin, a testament to taming the river just enough for access.
Now, for a true piece of engineering history: the Bailey Bridge. This isn’t a modern, sleek structure. The Bailey bridge is a military-designed, pre-fabricated truss system—strong, utilitarian, and built to withstand the toughest conditions. Its presence here is remarkable. To construct a bridge sturdy enough to endure the seasonal flow and flood potential of the Kings River, they brought in this robust system. It stands as a monument to the sheer effort required to maintain access across this powerful water, a symbol of the determination to bridge the gap between civilization and the untamed canyon.
Standing here, you can feel the energy of the Kings River. You have the historic Camp Four and a Half Cabin as our sanctuary, the logistical anchor of Rogers Crossing, and the engineering history of the Bailey Bridge allowing us passage. Every element here is intertwined with the power of the water.
​This river isn't just scenery—it's the core of the adventure.
​If you love these historic landmarks and the wild rivers they guard, hit that LIKE button, and make sure you’re SUBSCRIBED to @beyondnature1980 for more deep-dive adventures!

#KingsRiver #OutdoorsBeyondNature1980 #BeyondNature1980 #SequoiaNationalForest #Camp4Cabin #RogersCrossing #HistoricCabin #BaileyBridge #OutdoorAdventure #RiverLife #ExploreCalifornia #SierraNevada #Whitewater

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 30

beyondnature1980

​"What's good, Beyond Nature Community! 👋🌲🏕🥾
​We're constantly on the move, searching for the wildest trails and the quietest campsites. This is our virtual campfire—a place to share inspiration and get you motivated for your next escape.
​Before you dive back into our videos, tell us: What piece of gear changed your outdoor life, and why? Let's help each other dial in our setups!
​Stay wild, friends! 🌄"
​Remember to pick one that best aligns with the overall tone and focus of your channel!

#BeyondNature1980 #OutdoorsBeyondNature1980 #DispersedCamping #SequoiaNationalForest #CampCooking #Overlanding #CampLife #Adventure #TheGreatOutdoors #Wanderlust #YouTubeShorts#Adventure
#TheGreatOutdoors
#NatureLover#Wanderlust
#ExploreMore#GetOutside
#OutdoorLife#Travel

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 77

beyondnature1980

The Sentinel of the Converse Basin
​Hey, BeyondNature1980 community! Get ready, because I've got a story for you that's about more than just a hike; it's about walking through history. This isn't a tale of finding a hidden spot, but of finding a survivor—a testament to resilience in the face of incredible odds.
​The trail to the Boole Tree in the Converse Basin Grove is unlike any other. You start in a landscape that's almost eerie in its silence. It's a land of giants, but a land where most of them fell. The ground is littered with the ghosts of trees, massive stumps left behind by the loggers who cleared this entire basin over a century ago. The stumps are so big you can stand inside them, and in a strange way, they tell a story of immense loss.
​My camera was ready, but my mind was focused on something else. How did a tree survive here when thousands of its companions were felled? The 2.5-mile loop is a walk through a graveyard of giants, and every step makes you feel smaller, more aware of the immense scale of what happened here.
​And then, you turn a corner.
​The first glimpse of the Boole Tree is breathtaking. It's not just a tree; it’s an entire ecosystem, a monument. Its base is massive—over 113 feet in circumference, one of the biggest in the world. As I walked around it, I felt a sense of awe that's hard to put into words. This tree wasn't just old; it was a living piece of history, a relic from a time when this entire basin was a pristine forest. It stood there, a lone sentinel, a survivor of an era of immense change.
​I reached out and touched its bark, rough and deeply furrowed. In that moment, the silent stumps around me felt less like a monument to what was lost and more like a backdrop to what endured. The Boole Tree's story isn't about being hidden or untouched; it’s about being seen, recognized for its grandeur, and spared by a man named Franklin A. Boole.

#BooleTree #OutdoorsBeyondNature1980#GiantSequoia#ConverseBasin #SequoiaNationalMonument#HikingStory#NatureSurvivor#ForestGiants #LoggingHistory#AncientTrees #ForestAdventures

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 39

beyondnature1980

Join me on our latest outdoor escape! I'm taking you to Clam Beach, a spot on Highway 101 that's so much more than a beautiful shoreline. We'll explore its history, from the Indigenous peoples who cared for the land to its modern-day appeal. It's a reminder that even a simple walk on the beach can be a journey through time. Watch the full video now!
youtube.com/shorts/x9K-ofxp36...

#ClamBeach #OutdoorsBeyondNature1980 #BeyondNature #CommunityPost #NewVideo #OutdoorAdventure #HumboldtCounty #NorthernCalifornia #Highway101 #Eureka

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 103

beyondnature1980

Explore with Our New Gear
​On my journey to Trimmer Springs Road, I came across Trimmer, CA. The area dates back to the 1800s, where European settlers in the Sierra National Forest logged and built logging towns, whispering tales of boom-and-bust.
​That history of exploration and charting your own path inspired two of my favorite items from the store: the "Go Your Own Way" Mug and the "Outdoors" Vintage Corduroy Cap.
​The "Go Your Own Way" Mug is a daily reminder to follow your own compass, just as those early settlers did.
​The "Outdoors" Vintage Corduroy Cap is the perfect companion for your next trip, whether you're exploring new trails or simply appreciating the history around you.
​What do you think? Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
​Shop both items at my official store:
my-store-100d161.creator-spring.com/listing/explor…

#Outdoors#Explore
#Adventure#GoYourOwnWay
#Nature#GetOutside#TrimmerCA#VintageStyle#OutdoorsGear#Merch
#ShopSmall #SpringStore #youtubeshopping

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 6

beyondnature1980

​Tulare Lake: California's Ghost Lake Returns
​Did you know the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi used to be right here in California's Central Valley? Tulare Lake, or "Pa'ashi" to the Tachi Yokuts people who lived here for thousands of years, was a massive body of water that dried up in the early 1900s due to agricultural diversions.
​But in the winter of 2023, after historic storms and a massive snowmelt, the ghost lake made a dramatic return, flooding over 111,000 acres of farmland. The flood was a powerful reminder of nature's ability to reclaim its ancient landscape.
​I have some photos from two years ago that show just how huge this event was. It's a surreal sight, seeing farmland become a vast, open body of water again.
​Have any of you ever seen the lake when it has returned? Share your stories below!
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulare_Lake?hl=en-US

#TulareLake​ #OutdoorsBeyondNature1980 #CorcoranLake
#CentralValley​ #California
#CaliforniaFloods​ #Flooding2023
#GhostLake​ #BeforeAndAfter
#NatureReturns#Outdoors
#Nature​ #Adventure#GetOutside
#Landscape#NatureLovers#Explore

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 2

beyondnature1980

The scent of woodsmoke and pine filled the air, a familiar comfort that settled deep in my bones. I was camped at Choinumni, a small, peaceful spot on the Kings River, a place I’d sought out for a quick escape from the noise of the city. After a day of hiking the winding trails, my stomach rumbled with a hunger that only a hearty meal could satisfy. I reached for my pack, pulling out a pouch of Mountain House Beef Stew. I've been a fan of their freeze-dried meals for years—they’re a lifesaver on the trail, and a quick glance at the Mountain House website shows just how much variety they offer for any adventure.
As the stew rehydrated, I let my mind wander, the silence of the forest allowing for a deeper connection to the land. This wasn't just a campground; it was a place with a story far older than any of us. This very ground was once the heart of the Choinumni people's territory, a powerful and resilient tribe of the Yokuts. They thrived here for centuries, living in harmony with the rhythm of the river and the seasons. They were masterful basket weavers, their intricate designs telling tales of their culture and connection to the natural world.
I imagined the Choinumni people gathering by the riverbank, their voices echoing with laughter and songs, their lives intertwined with the ebb and flow of the Kings River. They hunted the deer that still roam these hills and gathered the acorns from the mighty oaks that stand as silent sentinels. Their knowledge of the land was profound, a wisdom passed down through generations. They understood the language of the wind, the moods of the water, and the secrets of the plants.
As I stirred my now-ready beef stew, its savory aroma a stark contrast to the historical images in my mind, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. The meal was a small, modern convenience, a testament to how far we've come. Yet, the land itself was a living history book, a testament to the resilience and deep roots of the Choinumni people. I ate slowly, savoring each bite, feeling not just the satisfaction of a good meal, but a quiet reverence for the unwritten stories held within the earth beneath my feet. This quick escape was more than just a camping trip; it was a journey through time, a chance to be a quiet observer in a place where history still breathes.

Choinumni Campground Camping & Beef Stew
youtube.com/shorts/D6XQFfPVnR...

Here is an excellent youtube channel based around Survival bushcraft outdoorsman prospector @AthosOutdoorProspector

#KingsRiver #OutdoorsBeyondNature1980 #Choinumni
#MountainHouse #CampCooking
#CampingLife #Outdoors
#CaliforniaCamping #HistoricalSites

1 month ago | [YT] | 26