Searching For a Mystery Lake in the Mountains of California

I went for a hike in the Trinity Alps of northern California on a trail that was supposed to go to a lake where I could take a refreshing swim, but things didn't work out as planned.
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Music during the video:
"Watch It Glow" by Silent Partner
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Video created by Gabriel Morris, who is the owner of all video or photo content. Filmed with a DJI Osmo Action: amzn.to/3gSi8rA
Gabriel is a traveler, outdoors enthusiast and travel writer who has been adventuring around the world since his first trip to Europe in the summer of 1990 when he was 18 years old. He is author of "Following My Thumb", "Gabe's Guide to Budget Travel" and several other books.
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[@ryansnow9556]

Gabe, DRONE time dude. Birds eye view. Even if you mostly use it for navigation once in a while I think you'd be lovin it. Get yourself an early Christmas gift. Whole new world

[@catherineloftus1376]

Great to see you back trecking cheers Gabriel.

[@taskor6528]

Stay there Gabriel, in the mountains of California it's cooler than here in Greece. Currently we're having a hot invasion from Africa reaching 39 oC. Greetings from Thessaloniki! 🏛️🇬🇷🇬🇷

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I'd love to be there now except for the heat, crowds and high prices. I might go back in September which is the perfect time for Greece. Stay cool.

[@user-mx1gh3mn3w]

It is not cooler in a California ! I was there 6th July 2024 - 14 th July 2024. It was 99 and in the 100s !

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

@@user-mx1gh3mn3w Yeah but it depends on where you are, in the mountains it's cooler.

[@rakiahbaker5589]

California sounds beautiful 🏝🏖🥥🥤🍹🏐👙🩳📽🎥🎬📸

[@isaacgnap3584]

if you like homeless camps and crap on sidewalks then yes its beautiful

[@StartLivingNow1963]

🙂❤👍Another Awesome Adventure Thank You Gabriel Another Beautiful Hike in the Backcountry the Scenery is Amazing🙂❤👍

[@janakotrcova2790]

An interesting narrative framed by lush greenery,where no paths are visible,where wonderful scenery of mountains,meadows and regularly growing conifers suddenly appear from the tangle of bushes.The painful journey was still worth it,thank you,Gabriel.👍

[@user-ol5ze4hi5z]

If you want to go and see lush green scenery go Sri Lanka lot of bio diversity as well

[@janakotrcova2790]

@@user-ol5ze4hi5z I agree with you.😊

[@andi2234]

Rocking the long hair again;.. Yay. I love this part of California. Not fond of that heat though, guess it's headed down herel Hey, Gabe, when you get too old to hike these out-of-the way and great hidden places, please move close to or in a beautiful place so you can still give us day trip videos!!! That would be so awesome! It's like company with a dear friend making videos for the pleasure of us who can never enjoy this amazing nature our self.

[@JennyGunner-ge3lz]

Trinity Alps look amazing and such a beautiful hike, regardless of not making the lake. Loved your line “the bugs are bugging” haha sums up the feeling of hiking in the summer heat. Great video and loving this nature series! 😊❤️🌲

[@Kat-tr2ig]

What a lovely area! Greetings from a VERY cold central Argentina (it was 15 degrees fahrenheit this morning)

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

That's right, winter down there. It must be beautiful. I'd love to go there sometime. Are you a local or traveling? Stay warm.

[@junefirst500]

You are Strong! Best wishes Gabriel!

[@mirzagoralija4492]

Beautiful ! 😊❤🇧🇦

[@user-xp4ft1ct3s]

I was hiking on a trail just South of Lassen Volcanic NP in Northern California when I saw a huge bear coming down the trail toward me. It was late March with a lot of snow on the ground. It probably just came out of hibernation. I slowly headed back the way I had come and never saw it again. So I can see why you wanted to make a lot of noise on your hike. The Trinity Alps is a beautiful area. I used to go fishing just below Trinity Dam from when I lived in Redding. I sure don't miss that Summer heat as I now live near Vancouver, Wa.

[@evanoffm]

No GPS data, no Bear Spray, and lost....after seeing the lake named "Grizzly Lake" and reading about all of the recent Bear attacks, I have to ask why not better prepared for this adventure?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I'd love to get up to Grizzly Lake, although there are no grizzlies in the mainland US, only in Alaska (edit: there are grizzlies in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming). But yes, there are black bears. I discussed bear spray and bear barrels in the video. Both are optional and not necessary for hiking in bear country. No cell signal up there so you would need to have a satellite connection. If someone feels that's necessary then go for it, but most people go into the wilderness without a satellite phone. I had a map, wasn't lost at all, the problem was the trail didn't go through, as I explained.

[@evanoffm]

@@GabrielTravelerVideos Oh good to know. Keep up the great videos, really enjoy your content. Keep Spain (Costa Blanca) region in mind, I'll be back over there in Nov - Dec timeframe this year.

[@adrianadios5041]

Dont forget that camera man never dies 😅

[@GLu-qc6vn]

@@GabrielTravelerVideos One can download highly detailed topographic maps onto a smartphone ahead of time, then use the GPS signal to pinpoint your position on the phone's map. Navigation is much easier then. I use the free CalTopo app, but there are many other apps available. I've used it in the mountains of Taiwan, Ecuador, Nepal, and the U.S. I always bring a compass as well, with knowledge and practice of using it, in case of phone problems or a weak GPS signal. A couple months ago on a trail in the Everest region, a thick fog blocked the GPS signal. After several miles the trail branched out ambiguously, with no signs around. I could see the map on my phone, but couldn't locate my position via GPS. I'd kept track of my approximate location, however. The map showed the contours, so I chose one of the trail forks, and tried to match up the landscape with the contours as I walked. I had to slow down, read the terrain like you did (nearby terrain only, because visibility was about 100 meters), and be ready to backtrack. After 15 minutes hiking down the trail fork I'd chosen, the trail became fainter. The direction was veering away from a nearby draw which seemed like an obvious spot for the trail. Should I backtrack, or head down to that nearby draw? I took a few minutes to consider, and decided to move towards the draw, but was prepared to backtrack as many times and as far as needed. ... and then I heard bells in the mist. I waited and sure enough, a yak herd grew vaguely discernable, moving towards the draw from the other side. I headed to the draw's floor. A better trail was there, though grass rather obscured it. The yaks walked up, the herder even knew a few words of English, and confirmed I was now on the trail headed to my destination. I hadn't known that, in addition to thick forests, a very heavy fog could block a GPS signal. I'd also carried a satellite personal locator device, for true emergencies, and like you I also had a paper map backup, but it wasn't as detailed as the phone's map. Like you, I had plenty of extra time to do "navigation experiments" if needed. And I had not-quite two pounds of contingency gear (light down quilt, DCF tarp, reflective bivy bag, 2-ounce fragile plastic raincoat to create a vapor barrier for warmer sleeping, etc.) I almost always hike or climb prepared to spend a night safely, in case of the unforeseen. In hundreds of days hiking across the decades, I needed that gear once, to keep me alive. I've enjoyed your adventures, Gabriel, and your winter Langtang trek was the first video I saw about the Himalaya, prior to my first hike there a year ago. I really respect your attitude as a traveler, and have learned from you. Respect and Appreciation!

[@PeanutButterTrails]

​@@GabrielTravelerVideosthere are grizzly bears in the mainland US. In Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.

[@mr.sts.p]

Beatiful mountains in North Carlifornia ❤ Gabriel 😊 🤝🇸🇪

[@troylott7238]

Never thought I would see you drive around my home town.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

You're from Weaverville? Nice.

[@troylott7238]

@@GabrielTravelerVideos Yeah. Its a nice place to live. BTW that was brown bear scat and those birds were pheasants.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

@@troylott7238 Okay, so the bears were lurking, wild.

[@martin_b1628]

Basic hiking through the wilderness of California. Stay safe !

[@Charlie1776_]

Awesome as always Gabe. Thanks.

[@craigleewhite6317]

Yeah Gabe Traveller. Craig the listened closely to all you spoke of. First now the graduation in RE. Had an inkling you knew what your doing especially going all over the world. Glad the teeth treatment has been made great again:) Sorry to hear your aunt got a broke foot. The cops ruined the gathering by the Indian burial ground. The Rainbows hold fast to making moves anyhow somewhere else. Your camping out near those Alps hikes where the creek needs a crossing. You are in your element taking it in your athletic stride. The new plans? any good yet... It's awesome to see you Gabriel. Nice sunshine! From Craig. UK.

[@keithfry4908]

This vlog makes one very pleased to know that others have similar difficulties whilst hiking. The scenery is beautiful and also your story telling. It is also very pleasing to know that “Isis” is alive and well albeit sung by Gabriel Traveller. lol Your choice of footwear and sarong instead of shorts has been well chosen of which one wholeheartedly approves. Epic vlog Gabriel even though it was “bloody hot”….. to coin a phrase. Looking forward to many more of your absorbing vlogs. Cheers🍺🇦🇺

[@JesseStLouis]

The adventure is in the journey, not the destination. I probably would've tried to follow the creek to the lake, but understandable why you bailed. Thanks for a taste of Norcal. Its a welcome break from the daily Florida uneventfulness that im currently engaged in 🤙

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I tried to get down to the creek because that did seem like the most reliable route to the lake, but there was a steep embankment that was totally overgrown with more bushes. As you'll see in the coming videos I ended up going overnight backcountry backpacking up into that same area, taking the other fork on the trail. On my way down I talked with some people who had made it to that lake, but they came down to it from the other trail. So it was possible somehow, just required a little more persistence I guess or maybe some luck finding the right path through the bushes.

[@flashgordon8792]

New drinking game: Take a shot every time Gabe says “Bear Barrel.” 😂

[@MtStaz71]

Hey Bear, Hey Bear 🐻✌🍺

[@burkesports1313]

i have extensively backpacked trinity alps / marble mountain wilderness. the most scenic spot i have found is lion lake. the outlet of the lake provides a framed view of mount shasta in the distance. the trailhead is on coffee creek road..

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Right on, good to know.

[@southendsurfer]

dude cool video! I hope Im that active when I'm 52

[@dsc6302]

Good night sir, Awesome video ❤❤❤❤🎉🎉

[@marafarnham595]

😂 watch out Gabriel 😅

[@thomasscheicher9779]

Greetings from Austria bro.... nice content ...

[@TenaciousTO]

I really love your wilderness videos. Always among my favorites and this one's no different.

[@sunnybeachwalks4k2022]

Absolutely stunning

[@MISCIFMAKER]

I spent a day on trinty loop out waverville , temps to high , 110 broke camp went west ended up along smith river a much cooler area at the time. Thinking an Sept rtn may be best its a hot summer , too hot for bears . Lol

[@makeamericagreenagain8511]

Hey, Happy birthday Nikola Tesla! I almost forgot. ❤

[@user-ol5ze4hi5z]

Greetings from Uk . We have new prime Minster . When are going to Sri Lanka again . Beautiful lush island country

[@travel_and_explore_with_BIP]

Woww 🍺🍺

[@alex182618]

I can imagine how quite and peaceful it os there. The air must be fresh.

[@peterbedford2610]

Big foot sighted

[@carollansen2810]

I’ve been to weaverville and trinity area a couple of times ❤. Once for a July 4th parade. Was great. Our friends from the have interesting stories of encounters there growing up 👣🌲

[@richardtucker5686]

Spoiler alert: No bear fights vs. Gabriel with a stick

[@haraldkreuz5824]

thankyou!! ticks??

[@Mudslinger-qr8df]

What country outside the US are you visiting next? Any chance on visiting the UK soon? Cheers mate.

[@Andrij_Kozak]

What happened there ?

[@MISCIFMAKER]

Bear Canister

[@praguetruebelievers9832]

Hey Brother, you are showing the best eye candy in the world. I was there hiking in the 80s maybe 70'a must have been late because i would have been less than9 years old after 1980. Our California is still there. I left California in 85. Live and been livin, in Germany and the Czech Republic since the wall came down. If you need a free place to stay in Ga. Just kidding long story short. Just keep showing that great nature. Ohh, man oh man we can never begin if for those and them of us know knows the woods. I am your biggest fan of elatha grece.I know every ilsland and my son has never seen or smelled a bear. He knows how to say "hey bear". He's an American Czech more American than Czech. Eeh...you can park your car at the only Democratic stronghold in Ga fully surrounded by Churches. My Dad from Cleveland thence Bakersfield thenc the Bay Area. My Dad will fix everything on your car for free too. He's a retired aircraft vietnam vet. Bakersfield. Of course you can visit in Kladno...Hey man du cicita esta buena nessestias hablar un poqueto espanol mi bato mi hermano gringo You is one lucky SOB to be able to return there. Some of us had to find other countries, because we could to return back to Cali Cal i for niaaaayyy the woods there are the best fing hell love them butterflies.

[@canalavg1970]

Beautiful California for sure……. But my anxiety level is so high right now, I feel like you are going to encounter a bear or a mountain lion anytime…… ay ay ay! …….Be very careful Gabriel. I enjoyed your conversation and your adventure though…..

[@pavelavietor1]

Come East to El Lago Texas saludos

[@Nathaniel-r5i]

Gabe do you know what the bear seen when it went over the mountain?!? 😂

[@robotubetwob]

Did you ever hike the lost coast?

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Yes, been there tons of times: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKOwoKVtqdBopLc

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

@josephstump-x7b My family always stopped there when we went backpacking in the Marbles. Best breakfast buffet ever.

[@pasqualeabarno]

👍👍👍

[@Johnny-Michael]

This is a good title idea. I hope you get a broader audience with this video title.

[@user-mx1gh3mn3w]

No I froze silent , so did the bear in front of me. Then when we finished Both frozen, looked at each other; when the bear carried on walking across; so did I continue moving forward. This worked. No need for stick, or to say a word, or carry bear spray.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

That may have worked for you that time, but it doesn't always work out that way. Animals are very unpredictable. Anything can happen. People get killed by bears sometimes. But I'm glad that you had a safe encounter.

[@d.714]

Hi Gabriel, I have a question. If I'm traveling without a laptop, how can I book flights and accommodation while abroad? I only have a smartphone with me, but how much can I rely on it alone for all the bookings and important issues on the internet? It can get lost, break, or be stolen, and then I’ll be left without anything.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

You can use your phone for booking everything but yes, it's a possibility that if it breaks or disappears then you're kind of screwed. So far so good, that hasn't happened for me, so it's a risk worth taking.

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

DID YOU SEE VERY MANY SASQUATCH ON YOUR HIKE ? DOES BEAR SPRAY WORK ON THEM ? ASKING FOR A FRIEND.

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

@josephstump-x7b VERY NICE OF THEM TO DO THAT. 😂

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I didn't see a lot of them, just a few. The bear spray I bought was chocolate flavored and didn't seem to work very well.

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

@@GabrielTravelerVideos AWESOME ! 😂

[@TravellingTrav1025]

Back in the late 70's or early 80's my uncle was in a multi-day hiking trip through the Trinity alps. He told me he heard a Bigfoot howl! He was a science teacher and was an outdoors person I never heard a sound like that before

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Whoa.

[@RexHimmer]

I always use the buddy system when I hike in the Cascades, for fear of being mauled by Uncle Sasquatch

[@user-ol5ze4hi5z]

In Sri Lanka men wear sarong especially at night

[@RexHimmer]

Do you like a man in a sarong? 😘

[@wilfredotorres6628]

Hi, Gabriel, I believe getting lost bothers you, and being you have been to this place several times it must have annoyed you. Traveling out to these major cities worldwide, I wonder if you feel you lost your bearings to travel in the woods. I still think you could have found the spot it would have just taken you some time and was late in the day.

[@thrivingnow7843]

Grouse birds that flew out of grasses

[@RexHimmer]

I like to hunt and stew grouse

[@williamoliver6807]

Gabe what the hell are you talking about there are shitloads of grizzly bears in the lower 48. Alaskans call them brown bears as you know. Try talking to all the people in glacier and Yellowstone that have been mauled

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

True, I got that one wrong. None in California but there are some up closer to the Canadian border.

[@garyrigby21]

Bigfoot country

[@MsBlueRyans]

The scat could be from a racoon or coyote.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

That's one big racoon.

[@mirzagoralija4492]

12th 😊❤🇧🇦

[@droppin_sik_beets]

See you in 2028

[@azdbuk]

Why do Cali folks retire to overpriced AZ when they could just head to NorCal....gorgeous.....wow.

[@Dr.Mzungu]

1st

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Third.

[@davidvilchez2209]

1st : )

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Boom, got it.

[@MrsGiddydiddy]

First time writing first

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Second.

[@MrsGiddydiddy]

@@GabrielTravelerVideos ☹️

[@israel_started_it_ALL_in_1947]

missed you

[@user-ol5ze4hi5z]

England are in semi finals in Germany against the Dutch the in Euros Yeah great football

[@clarkmadrosen1780]

Oh wow. Find a barbershop. 😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@diarmuidlong5540]

Not a great looking place, looks boring

[@dukie17]

If you want a great adventure, come to the Ruby Mountains in Northern Nevada. You can also check out Jarbidge, the most isolated town in the lower 48.. I live in a hidden gem not many people know about

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Is that the town that Eva zu Beck made a video about?

[@dukie17]

@@GabrielTravelerVideos I wasn’t aware of that but just looked it up and yes she did. Very good video!

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Cool.