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
Hey beyondnature1980 community! I’m still buzzing from our recent drive down from the Huntington Lake Road Junction, through the Kaiser area, and down to Shaver Lake on Highway 168.
This route isn't just a scenic drive; it's a journey through California history. Up at Huntington Lake, it’s humbling to remember that the deep basin was first used by the Western Mono people, and later by early European ranchers and loggers in the late 19th century. The sheer scale of the vision held by those early settlers, particularly figures like Henry E. Huntington and engineer John S. Eastwood, is mind-blowing. They realized the potential of Big Creek, harnessing the 4,500-foot elevation drop to create the massive Big Creek Hydroelectric Project starting in 1909. These pioneers and engineers moved mountains, literally, building the network of dams and tunnels that created Huntington and Shaver Lakes—earning it the name "the hardest working water in the world."
The whole drive down, you're literally tracing the path of that history, moving from the high alpine start to the community of Shaver Lake, which itself was built on a foundation of logging before becoming a crucial piece of the hydroelectric puzzle. What an incredible legacy left by those early builders!
But the true reward is the stillness I found once I stopped. I pulled off the road, brewed a steaming cup of herbal tea, and just watched the dense, towering forest. It was the perfect moment to reconnect and truly feel that 'beyond nature' calm. Driving through this area, you're constantly reminded of the logging and hydroelectric history, but stopping allows you to appreciate the enduring, quiet beauty that remains.
I found a video that might interest you, focusing on the historical heart of this region:
The Wild True Story of Huntington Lake and the Big Creek Hydroelectric Project
https://youtu.be/-S9AqzASSAM?si=mQOGQ...
#HuntingtonLake
#ShaverLake #Hwy168
#CentralCalifornia #HighSierra
#KaiserPass #FresnoCounty #HistoricCalifornia #BigCreek
#EarlySettlers #MountainAdventure
#CaliforniaRoadTrip
#ForestTherapy #Nature
#OutdoorAdventure #MountainView
4 days ago | [YT] | 25
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beyondnature1980
@beyondnature1980 🌲🥾🏕🏞🛶🪵🪓🪚🌲🌲🌲
sharing a postcard from the High Sierra! My old video captures the incredible, tranquil beauty of Courtright Reservoir. Look at those granite peaks reflecting perfectly in the water!
If you need a 2-minute digital detox and escape, tap below to watch the full, stunning video. 👇
ESCAPE HERE:
#CourtrightReservoir #BeyondNature1980 #SierraNationalForest #NatureEscape #MountainViews #BreathtakingViews
#MountainViews #Scenery
#Nature #Wilderness
1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 5
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beyondnature1980
🏕️ New Short & A Tribute: Honoring a Scout Leader 🌲
Hey BeyondNature Explorers! 👋
I'm filming a new Short video at a deeply meaningful location: the Sycamore Wildlife Campground area in the Sierra National Forest, near Sycamore Creek and the Kings River.
This area holds a personal history for me. I want to dedicate this Short to the memory of Leonard Ray McIntyre (Oct. 6, 1939 – Sept. 1, 2025). As a dedicated Scout leader and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Leonard shared the magic of this old campground with many Scouts in the 1980s. He's the one who first told me about the trails leading to the mini-canyons and the concrete fire pit we're now exploring.
Keep an eye out for the video! We're exploring the ruins of this old scouts camp to honor his memory and the legacy he left in the outdoors.
Drop a 🕯️ or 🌲 in the comments to remember Leonard, and let me know your favorite Scout memory!
Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss the short:
➡️ youtube.com/@beyondnature1980
#BeyondNature1980 #ScoutsLegacy #LeonardRayMcIntyre #SierraNationalForest #OldCampground #InMemoriam #KingsRiver
1 week ago | [YT] | 36
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beyondnature1980
Escape the everyday! 🌲 We ventured deep into the wilderness for a relaxing day of camping along the Kings River and discovered a piece of history: a super secluded, abandoned 1957 Forest Service Cabin!
It was the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and exploring a hidden gem. You won't believe the peace and quiet we found.
Click to watch the full adventure now and see inside this vintage cabin! 👇
https://youtu.be/mBVZ4vc8KKc
#KingsRiver #KingsRiverCamping #ForestServiceCabin #SecludedCabin #DayCamping #OutdoorAdventure #CaliforniaCamping #CabinLife #AbandonedPlaces #NatureVlog #beyondnature1980
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 3
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beyondnature1980
🏕️ New Short Dropping Soon: The Secret History of Old-Campground! 🌲
Hey Nature Explorers! 🥾
I'm heading back into the Sierra National Forest near the Sycamore Creek area to film a new YouTube Short, and I can't wait to share this spot with you all!
This location is rumored to be an old scouts camp and features some incredible, secluded trails leading to "mini-canyons" overlooking the Kings River.
Keep an eye out for the video! We'll be exploring the mysterious remains of a concrete fire pit and uncovering what history might be hidden within the ruins of this old campground.
Drop a 🏞️ emoji in the comments if you're ready for some forgotten history and beautiful views!
Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss the short!
➡️ youtube.com/@beyondnature1980
#BeyondNature1980 #OutdoorProspector #SierraNationalForest #OldCampground #Hiking #KingsRiver #NatureShorts #AbandonedPlaces
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 36
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beyondnature1980
Welcome to @beyondnature1980This is the home of @ATHOSOutdoorProspector where we embrace the challenge of off-grid living and self-sufficiency in the deep wilderness.
Athos documents the real, unfiltered journey of building and continuously improving a sustainable shelter from the ground up. From essential bushcraft techniques to long-term survival strategies, this channel shares every success and setback in the quest for a simpler, more connected life with nature.
Catch the latest adventure! We are deep into the construction series—make sure you watch "Live off the grid, building and improving my shelter - Episode 57" to see the newest progress and critical improvements to the off-grid home.
Want to support the channel and get exclusive access?
Join the community and explore the Athos members-only benefits! Your membership grants you:
Exclusive behind-the-scenes content
Early access to videos
Members-only Q&A sessions
Special badge loyalty and custom emojis
Your support helps Athos Outdoor Prospector continue this off-grid dream and bring you more inspiring episodes. Subscribe now, turn on notifications, and start your wilderness journey with us!
#beyondnature1980 #OffGridLiving #Bushcraft #SelfSufficiency #ShelterBuilding #PrimitiveTechnology #WildernessSurvival #LiveOffTheGrid
3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 17
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beyondnature1980
Bailey Bridge, Kings River Camping &Teddy Roosevelt @NPSTHRO 🌲🏞🌲
Hey beyondnature1980 community! Get ready for our next adventure Short dropping soon!
We explore the iconic Bailey Bridge on Trimmer Springs Road near Lakeshore, CA, and break down the best camping spots along the Kings River!
🏕️🥾🌲🏞 Westside (W Trimmer Springs Rd) Stops:
Camp Four and a Half Cabin (Rogers Crossing)
Camp 4 Campground
Green Cabin Campground
Mill Flat Campground (near Mill Flat/Davis Creek)
🏞️ Eastside (E Trimmer Springs Rd) Highlights:
The famous Pirates Cove / Forever Eddy
Bear Wallow Campground & Trail
Garnet Dike Boat Launching Site
Kings River Trailhead, Fox Canyon, 2nd Pines Campsite, and Garlic Falls!
🏛️🇺🇲 Did You Know?
We also celebrate Theodore Roosevelt (Born: Oct 27, 1858; Died: Jan 6, 1919). This 26th US President was an ardent conservationist and helped preserve so much of the beautiful wilderness we explore!
Which spot are you hitting first? Let us know in the comments! 👇
#KingsRiver #Camping #BaileyBridge #TrimmerSpringsRd #beyondnature1980 #TheodoreRoosevelt #CaliforniaOutdoors
3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 41
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beyondnature1980
🛶 Russian Charley Creek, History & the Logging Flume! 🪵🪚 🛶
🥾 Hey beyondnature1980 community! 🏕🌲🏞
I just got back from an incredible kayaking trip on Pine Flat Lake, launching from the Iland Park Boat Ramp! The scenery was absolutely stunning, and I can't wait to share the footage with you all.
The route we paddled offered some truly expansive views, putting the beauty of the Sierra foothills on full display. As we moved along the water:
Russian Charley Creek provided a peaceful, secluded start, setting the perfect tone for a day on the water.
We enjoyed panoramic vistas that looked out toward the areas of Zebe Cove and the historic Lawless Cove.
-For the history buffs out there, Lawless Cove is the legendary site where the massive Kings River Lumber Company logging flume terminated. This ingenious wooden structure, built in the late 1800s, transported millions of board feet of timber down the mountainside! Just seeing the area that once hummed with this incredible industrial activity gives you chills. It’s an essential piece of California's past, best appreciated from the tranquility of the lake.
I captured all the epic views, the serene moments, and the historical highlights for an upcoming short video right here on @beyondnature1980
Do you enjoy historical exploration mixed with outdoor adventure? Let me know in the comments!
Stay tuned, and don't forget to hit that subscribe button!
#Kayaking #PineFlatLake #IlandPark #LoggingFlume #BeyondNature1980 #OutdoorAdventure #CaliforniaHistory
1 month ago | [YT] | 28
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beyondnature1980
🥾 BeyondNature1980: The Quest for Cats Head! 🌲🏞🏕
Hey BeyondNature Community!
This week, the call of the wild led me deep into the Sierra National Forest for a demanding day hike that turned into a treasure hunt for hidden landmarks along Big Creek.
The journey began near the familiar Bretz Mill and Dinkey Creek Camp Junction, where I plunged onto the interwoven Trimmer Springs Road and Big Creek Road network. My mission: to explore the legendary primitive sites marked on old maps.
The heart of the adventure was tracking the course of Big Creek itself. I eventually found the remote, rugged site known as (Cats Head Campground) and continued my push towards the beautiful drainage of Nutmeg Creek.' These aren't your typical sites—they represent the true, untamed wilderness of the SNF!
Along the way, I located the stunning Upper Big Creek Bridge crossing and navigated the complex Forest Routes near where Nutmeg Creek Campground and the rumored Duff Creek Campground lie. Every bend in the road offered a new challenge and a new piece of the forest’s history.
Comment below: What's the most remote or challenging "campground" site you've ever managed to find using only old maps or forest routes?
#BigCreekHike #CatsHeadCampground #SierraNationalForest #DinkeyCreek #TrimmerSpringsRoad #DayHikeAdventure #WildernessExploration #HikingCalifornia #beyondnature1980 #UpperBigCreekBridge #NutmegCreek #ForestRoads
1 month ago | [YT] | 41
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beyondnature1980
"Join beyondnature1980 on an immersive journey into the wilderness! This playlist, 'Hiking & Camping Adventures 🥾 🏕 🏞🌲🌲🌲,' is your essential guide to exploring the great outdoors. Featuring breathtaking trails, practical tips for setting up the perfect campsite, and stunning natural landscapes.
As Theodore Roosevelt @NPSTHRO once said, 'Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.' That spirit of adventure is what drives us! Lace up your boots and discover the beauty that lies beyond nature."
#TheodoreRoosevelt #HikingAdventures #CampingLife #TheGreatOutdoors #BeyondNature1980 #TrailLife #Backpacking #OutdoorVlog #NatureLover
1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 5
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