overland

Report: Northern California Adventure

Here are some photos from our “Northern California Adventure” trip, October 1-5, 2025 A221BEDC-F047-4367-83D1-ED863CB05AD2.jpeg Rolando and Peter.jpg David playing Fonzi.jpg Jonathan chilling.jpg Peters 2-Door Jeep Wrangler JK.jpg Rolando in his 4Runner.jpg Rolandos venerable 4Runner.jpg Swedish Torch.jpg Datum for Tamarck Lake.jpg Jonathan Fly Fishing.jpg Misty Morning.jpg Tamarack Lake Selfie 2.jpg Tamarack Lake Selfie.jpg WeatherTech Gold Pan.jpg Gold on paper plate.jpg
 
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I live in Redding and didn't see this until it was full. Were you able to get the entire original planned route completed?

Looks like Tamarack Lake in some of the pictures. Love that spot down on the lake!
 
More photos.
 

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Go_Explore8 said:
Were you able to get the entire original planned route completed?
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+1
The photos were great, but I'm interested in some feedback on the route.
Were you able to complete the 280 mile route within the alotted of time?
Road conditions, favorite places to camp, areas you would avoid?
Thanks!
 
Because of a health issue, I cut out one day earlier and did not experience the last day or evening camp of the trip. Also, Kangaroo Lake campground was closed—maybe because of the Government shutdown—so that evening was spent distributed camping in the forest. Our camp at Tamarack Lake was very nice and the final mile was “sporty” off-roading. As for the first three days of the trail, it was lots of forest roads, some shelf roads, and beautiful forest vistas. I drove many of the roads in 2WD. But as far as being blown away by the scenery, it would say it was only typical California forest. Which is beautiful, but without any singular features that blew me away. I had much more fun on the “Back to the Lost Coast” tour last year. That said, if you wanted to pan for gold, or go fishing, or even go hunting, this route could really fit the bill.
 
Thanks for the update Peter. I was interested in the route because of it's general proximity to Bend. The layout did an excellent job avoiding historical wildfires, with the exception of the 45 mi out and back to the Trinity Alps. Did you do that portion?
 
Yes. We went through a large burn area but it was still pretty interesting. The Big Flat campsite was great. Plenty of firewood and it was legal to have campfires there.
 
joeray said:
Thanks for the update Peter. I was interested in the route because of it's general proximity to Bend. The layout did an excellent job avoiding historical wildfires, with the exception of the 45 mi out and back to the Trinity Alps. Did you do that portion?
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I plan to explore the area next year since I had to bow at last minute for this trip (bent front axle on the Ram). Perhaps a new route in the works... the Trinity Alps Adventure Trail :unsure:
 
OTG Ben said:
Perhaps a new route in the works... the Trinity Alps Adventure Trail :unsure:
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Go for it, sounds good to me! 👍 I think you should add Tamarack Lake to the main route, since everyone seems to like to go there. I may check out the route myself next year, either before or after the mosquito season.

So, do you remember what you hit when you bent the axle? Ouch!
 
@joeray The radius arm! There are two bolts that attach the radius arm to the axle, and the bolt + concentric washer which controls the caster angle fell out or completely failed while we were out in Carrizo Plain earlier this spring. I noticed the vehicle was pulling hard left, which seemed strange cuz I didn't have any big hits (you typically know the event that knocked out your alignment!) on the trip, so I was a bit perplexed. Well, that is until I got home the next day and climbed under the rig and discovered the missing bolt! Who'da thunk a missing bolt would wreak so much havoc :P

In other news, I have rejoined the Land Cruiser club. More to come on that in the near future ;)
 
That is why before any trip I dive under my car and check for potential problems, specially loose bolts and nuts, new or old car are subject to develop the same issues because the terrain we drive them. Spot a loose bolt or nut are very easy to see, you can see a shine rhim around or some rust mark. Also good idea is to dive under with a grease gun since we drive in water and dust.
 
OTG Ben said:
@joeray The radius arm! There are two bolts that attach the radius arm to the axle, and the bolt + concentric washer which controls the caster angle fell out or completely failed while we were out in Carrizo Plain earlier this spring. I noticed the vehicle was pulling hard left, which seemed strange cuz I didn't have any big hits (you typically know the event that knocked out your alignment!) on the trip, so I was a bit perplexed. Well, that is until I got home the next day and climbed under the rig and discovered the missing bolt! Who'da thunk a missing bolt would wreak so much havoc :P

In other news, I have rejoined the Land Cruiser club. More to come on that in the near future ;)
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Ben, do you mean joined "TLCA" or did you join a specific chapter? Been a member for decades.
 
I simply bought a used Lexus GX, aka Land Cruiser Prado. No official club :P
 
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