Camping Off The Grid In California? Impossible! 

I lived in Arcata for a few years and now miss the drama of the weather as it was always active and changing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Lucky Man! Such a wonderful place in this world. Thanks for sharing.

Sounds like an epic journey and burley as well. Just curious what were you riding back in the day? Italian, French or U.S. equipment?

I had a Trek (USA)steel lugged frame road touring bike (mostly Japanese components). Production Mountain bikes were new & rare at in 1982. No GPS & had to rely on paper maps. I carried an assortment of basic tools for on the road repairs. From 1980 to 2000 I did a road bike tour each year ;N. California, Colorado Rockies, Canadian Rockies, Appalachians SE, New Zealand. The Alps in Germany, Italy, Austria & Switzerland. 5 weeks in Italy (Bologna south to Napoli & back). Arizona. Portland Maine to Upstate NY. & Portland, Oregon to Montana Rockies. Trans-Nevada (hwy 50) "I've been everywhere man......"!

The loneliest road in America! I started riding Mt. in 1985 and still ride today. Never really got into road riding but I may have to as my mountain bike buddies are starting to ride road. I'm still skeeved out by cars... Where is the next trip?

I'm 75 & my biking days are behind me now. @@HiddenCali

It sounds like you have strong memories of the biking adventures you undertook. I appreciate you sharing your journeys.

There's places like that all over up here in Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity counties. There's the Trinity Alps wilderness, the Marble Mountain wilderness, the Russian wilderness. And those are just the places that don't allow anything motorized. Take Hwy. 96 from Willow Creek, and you'll pass Bluff Creek. Where the famous "Bigfoot" was filmed. A little further north and you'll come to Salmon River Road to Etna. You might see two cars on that road in about 4 hours. It'll eventually lead you to hwy 36 and to hwy 101. It's good for an all day long 12 hour adventure. 300-400 miles. I could go on more but I won't. I love it up here.

No... Please do go on. I am constantly looking for place to explore - appreciate the share.

Making and posting the video is my pleasure. I'm glad it rekindled some old memories (good and not so good 🤔). If you were where I was not a lot has changed. It is almost like time stood still. Thanks for sharing your story.

I so appreciate the additional information you provide here. I was unaware of the stability issues with the geology. In hindsight this explains whey so many of the roads were repaired and in some cases unpaved. Thanks for sharing!

Wonderful place hand and enjoy the sights, sounds and yes… smells!

Lived in Cali my entire life and that was my first time. I was also blown away! Lucky us 😇

Funny you should mention the far eastern part of California... I'm planning on seeing if I can find the point where Nevada, Oregon and California intersect... in the wintertime. Just starting the research so not sure if that is adventurous of just foolish...

@@HiddenCali probably a little bit of both! Just be sure to bring enough supplies with you because it can get really cold and there's a long distance between gas stations and stores! Also you'll be in Modoc territory, which is an interesting history if you have time to check it out!

I'm glad you were able to go through the video and thank you for the lovely comment.

You should come, we're really quiet nice out here and it's vary safe I'm a local

What a nice invitation. I found the people I spoke with lovely and the setting peaceful and beautiful. Wonderful place to be.@@chrisgilda5853

It really is... I was unprepared for the drama when I gained the peak. Well worth the effort.

Right? I was talking to a Ranger about that and interestingly enough the forces of coastal erosion may keep them on the smaller side... Not that we will be around to see it 😁

Thanks Dawn, Not Alaska but still feels pretty remote at times. Indeed a beautiful place in the world. Appreciate the comment - thanks.

No truer words... and be prepared as once you are in there is no easy way out. Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I'm odd but i find that fascinating. When did the settle there? Were they farming or ranching or?

@@HiddenCali ranching. Around 1800

Some mixed blood. I'm part Karuk from the Klamath river.

Dude... I know.

California is definitely a mixed bag. I've lived here my whole life and there are so many places that I have never ventured to which is really the genesis of this channel. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and subscribe.

A tiny bit frightened isn’t so bad. A lot is. I never felt unsafe but definitely disconnected. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. Means a lot, thank you.

you would freak out if you went to tijuana

Glad things worked out! I could see how you could lose your way as there is not a lot of directional signage and it is SO rugged.Thank you for sharing your experience - I appreciate the comment.

If you go to Redwoods National Park it is certainly worth the side trip. Thanks for leaving a comment!

I think you may be right. So many spots to get away in that part of California. If you head east from the coast for just a few miles it thinks out fast.

So beautiful! Are you up in the North Coast area or is it a drive for you?

Excellent share! We take safe travel for granted these days. Back in the day not so much.

I hear you. Sometimes I wonder about sharing some of these spots... Thanks for the good natured comment.

Gotta be the right friends! Thanks for the comment, it is really nice to know people are watching and enjoying the videos.

Then, my work here is done! You won’t be disappointed.

Beautiful country and yes some narrow roads! Lucky for us not many people on them.

@@HiddenCali There was zero people in the area that I went to when I first arrived. I ended up south of the light house and boat launch ramp from what the other person said. It's 4x4 country but I had a 4x2 1993 Toyota that I was scared to take further down the road so I camped where I was and didn't go further. I think the road only went about another 1/2 mile or less. Pretty nice area for sure. I was scouting areas to build my home and decided to build on a river about 60 miles south of the Canadian border in WA just east of the I-5 about 20 miles or so. I like that area and north of it but now am ready to sail around the world on an aluminum 48 ft. catamaran. I miss the worm weather and am done with the cold.

Good advice. I actually carry an old school compass at all time just in case that pesky phone battery dies.

Can’t imagine taking a wagon down that road 🥹

Beautiful place to be in the world.

@@HiddenCali fishing here is unbelievable.

It will be our secret. Crap! I made a video didn’t I…

Never quite thought of it that way but you have a good point 🤔. Thanks for sharing.

🥹

Thanks for the tips!

Did I mention in the video the big pile of fresh Bear scat at the trailhead... Def did not want him knowing I was around.

Indeed. Gotta have the right tool for the job.

Right? The nerve of those dam hippies 😇... Wait... my Mom was kind of a hippie...

I love getting lost... for short stretches...

There was a big fire a few years back and maybe you were noticing the burn scars from the top of the mountain? The logging companies poked around for sure and took lumber out but some of the area was even too remote for them. Thanks for the comment!

No way! Really?

@HiddenCali yep. They're on the left in a big field between Petrolia and A. W. Way Campground. They had a baby a couple few years ago. A sad note... Randy ‐the male zebra- was shot and killed by some jackass that they never caught. Pretty shady people live out there, and I wouldn't hike alone without a gun. A couple were killed while in their sleeping bags some years back. Another time, a young girl was with her family at the camping area at the mouth of the mattole. Some mental case attempted to kidnap her, had her duct taped and was trying to take her in broad daylight. He got shot in the knee. I don't remember if the father shot him or another camper. When I saw the Windy Point sign I figured you'd see why they call it that. It could be fairly calm everywhere else but there... you can lean into the wind. You also passed right by the road that leads to a huge underground bunker owned by the Church of Scientology. There's actually a video on RU-vid where someone flew their drone over the compound. There's so many cool things up this way. I could go on forever about the outdoors and what is cool to see up here in real Northern California. Mendocino North all the way to the border and east, all the way to Alturas. There's so much wild lands, it took me a lifetime to explore. 😃

Well don't hold back - I'm looking for cool places to explore! I'm thinking of heading to the point where California, Oregon and Nevada come together. Always wanted to go there... any tips? Oh... and I'm glad I did not know about all the baddies while I was there - ignorance is bliss... until your dead I suppose 🤔

@HiddenCali That's where you can find the famous Davis Creek Rainbow obsidian. Here's where I've tagged it in my Google maps. I've had Google delete posts that I've put links in, so I hope this works. maps.app.goo.gl/kSCFECi4i2uZ6dW78 I've been there a couple of times. It wasn't open for collecting untill July, the year before last. You have to get a free permit at the BLM office in Alturus. In Alturus, there's a historic hotel called Niles Inn or Niles motel. My room was set up like an old-time fisherman's place. There were antique fly poles lures and such. It was cool. The place is old, right down to the antique doorknobs. Above the doors is a glass window that tilts out with the pull of a metal rod -that must have been a thing, back in the day. Downstairs is an old, full-length bar with what looks like used to be a dance hall or something. Interesting place to stay. I wouldn't suggest it if you're the type of person to sleep in. The hallways get pretty busy with the maids and all. And it's definitely not soundproof.🤣 I enjoyed it for the historic value. On the north east side of Alturus, is a restaurant worth eating at. Its called "something" Grill. They bring the meals out in courses and the food is very good. It says 'Basque' on the roof outside, but I'm not familiar with what that is. The reviews are mixed on the Basque claim. There's always those negative folks. I and my daughter were both very pleased and plan on eating dinner there again. For breakfast, I would recommend the Wagon Wheel on the North West side of Alturus. Absolutely typical country/farmer atmosphere. Loud talking, laughter, everyone knows everyone and all are very kind and personable. Lava beds national monument is great. There is so much history there also. Learn about Captain Jack and the stronghold. The Stronghold is a must-see and hike-around place. The Modoc war was one of the last, if not THE last Indian war. Captain Jack held off the US Army for a couple months with his warriors, families, children, horses and dogs at the stronghold. Then, in the middle of the night, they all snuck out with the wives, choldren, horses and dogs. General Canby was trying to strike a deal with Captain Jack to be living with the Klamath Indians or something like that, and Captain Jack was having none of it, so he shot Canby in the face and fled Not far from there are the lava tubes and LOTS of them. The visitor center will give you bump caps and flashlights. Then you're on your own to go out and explore. There's 'some' ice caves. The only ice cave I've actually been to is the Jot Dean Ice Cave. It's on the volcanic legacy highway. Bring a good flashlight if you go. The phone light just won't do. The cave is deeper than my light would shine. When it's blazing around 100 degrees outside, the cave feels great, until you get cold. Petroglyph point is also in the lava beds area. Supposedly the most concentrated location of Indian art in North America. There is definitely a lot. Sadly, there's been a lot of vandalism and a lot is simply scraped away. When I think of more I'll let you know. I bet this'll keep you busy on the internet fo a while. 🤣

@@HiddenCali just wondering if you saw this long post ☝️. Lots of info for the northern corner you were asking about. I've been there a few times.

I totally get it. At no time did I feel unsafe or threatened but I'm guessing that might be common before... you know... the thing. 😳

That IS FUNNY!

That's how I feel about SoCal growing up in the 50s-60s. Paradise on earth. Laid back, friendly.

Such a wonderful place in our world. Parts of it have aged well, other parts not so much. It is up to us to protect this beautiful land and leave it protected so those who come after us get to enjoy it as well.

Millions of illegals need a place to live 😈

Appreciate the love! Thank You.