Attractions and Places To See around Hat Creek - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Hat Creek include a diverse range of natural wonders and historical sites. The region is known for its volcanic landscapes, including lava tubes and flows, and its significance for fly-fishing. Situated in Shasta County, Hat Creek offers opportunities to explore geological formations and access parts of the Pacific Crest Trail.
Best attractions and places to see around Hat Creek
- The most popular attractions is Subway Cave spur trail, a trail that leads to a lava tube offering an underground adventure. This site provides a unique opportunity to explore dark passages and observe geological formations.
- Another must-see spot is Hat Creek Rim Scenic Vistapoint, a viewpoint and natural monument. Visitors can expect panoramic views of Hat Creek Valley, Lassen Peak, and Mount Shasta from this geological feature.
- Visitors also love Old Station Visitor Information Center, an interagency facility. It provides information about the Hat Creek volcanic area, the Pacific Crest Trail, and offers restrooms and drinking water.
- Hat Creek is known for its volcanic landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and visitor facilities. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural formations to informational centers.
- The attractions around Hat Creek are appreciated by the komoot community, with 6 highlights and 10 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Pacific Crest Trailhead - Old Station Road Hwy 44
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Subway Cave spur trail
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Rock spring - creek crossing and campspot
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Hat Creek Rim Scenic Vistapoint
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Old Station Visitor Information Center
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Tips from the Community
Highly recommend taking the short side trail to the Subway Caves. Easily one of the highlights of this section, as well as a great source for water, and a lovely privy. The water carry out of here is not 30 miles. We carried just enough to get us 2.8 miles up to the trailhead atop the rim, where there was a cache that appeared to be regularly tended to. After that, there is Lost Creek in 5.2 miles, and Cache 22 in another 8 miles, which are both reliable water sources. The rim was completely exposed and pretty brutal in the heat on the particular day we crossed it, so donβt under carry, or over carry here. Regardless, this was a beautiful hike, and a great day for high mileage.
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Take water from the spigot at the Subway Cave parking lot, before you leave and ascend the rim. There will be two water sources if you hike northbound: Lost Creek in 8 miles (you have to descend into a canyon) and the mostly reliable Cache 22 at Forest Road 22 in another 8 miles. You donβt have to carry water for 30 miles!
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The PCT crosses this parking lot. From this view point you can see Mount Lassen to your left and majestic Mount Shasta to your right. From here, the PCT continues along the rim (northbound) with very few shade and a water source that is hard to get to. So carry plenty of water, it might be very hot.
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A short loop will get you from and to the Subway Cave. Although this is also a convenient water source, there are more water sources ahead like Lost Creek (8 miles from here) and Cache 22 (16 miles from here).
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There are at least two water sources between Old Station and this location: Lost Creek after 8 miles and Cache 22 after another 8 miles. You will not have to carry water for 30 miles! During hiker season there might also be a Trail Angel CafΓ© on top of Hat Creek Overlook. There is also potable water at the Subway Cave (detour). There is space for 3 tents at Rock Spring.
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Interagency National Forest visitor center with displays and good info about the Hat Creek volcanic area, PCT and other hiking trails, and the adjacent lava tube on the other side of the highway. Restrooms, drinking water. A RV dump station is hundred yard further up the side road.
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Dark naked lava still not covered by vegetation since the last volcanic flow a few thousand years ago indicates the proximity to the impressive lava tube cave that can be accessed via a short half mile spur trail from here. Near its entrance is a public toilet and a water fountain, the last convenient water source along the PCT for 30 miles on the rim until it descends and reaches Hat Creek again. There are options to descend off trail at Lost Creek about 8 miles further. Hikers with time objectives bring extra water from here to save about an hour it costs to detour later.
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Strategic trailhead for a 30-mile section without water along the trail going north from Old Station. There are a couple of convenience stores, a gas station, post office, and campgrounds south of the junction of Hwy 44 along Hwy 89. The nearby visitor center and the Subway Cave that's a half-mile off trail are the last two water sources closest to the trail before it climbs up to the Hat Creek Rim and follows on its edge until descending some 20 miles later to continue crossing a waterless volcanic plain until finally reaching Hat Creek.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore in Hat Creek?
Hat Creek is renowned for its volcanic landscapes. You can explore the fascinating Subway Cave spur trail, a lava tube offering a unique underground adventure. Another highlight is the Hat Creek Flow, where you can walk the 1.5-mile Spattercone Nature Trail to see volcanic spattercones and other geological formations. The Hat Creek Rim also offers significant geological insights into the earth's crust.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Hat Creek area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Subway Cave spur trail is a self-guided lava tube exploration that can be exciting for older children, though a flashlight is recommended. The Hat Creek Rim Scenic Vistapoint offers picnic areas and restrooms, making it a great spot for a family outing with panoramic views. The Hat Creek Flow and Spattercone Nature Trail also has picnic tables and toilets, with a portion being wheelchair accessible.
What kind of hiking opportunities are available near Hat Creek attractions?
The Hat Creek area offers diverse hiking opportunities, including sections of the famous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). You can find routes like the easy Subway Cave Trail, or more challenging sections such as the Pacific Crest Trail: Hat Creek Rim and Pacific Crest Trail: Old Station to Badger Mountain. For more details on these and other trails, visit the Hiking around Hat Creek guide.
Where can I find information and facilities like restrooms and drinking water?
The Old Station Visitor Information Center is an excellent resource. It provides valuable information about the Hat Creek volcanic area, the Pacific Crest Trail, and other local hiking trails. It also features displays and offers restrooms and drinking water. Restrooms and picnic facilities are also available at the Hat Creek Rim Scenic Vistapoint and Hat Creek Park.
Is Hat Creek a good destination for fishing?
Absolutely. Hat Creek is renowned as a 'Wild Trout Waterway' by the California Department of Fish and Game. Its clear waters and consistent temperatures make it a premier destination for fly-fishing enthusiasts, with abundant wild rainbow and brown trout. Hat Creek Park offers public and ADA-accessible fishing platforms along the creek.
What should I know before visiting Subway Cave?
The Subway Cave spur trail leads to a lava tube that is approximately one-third of a mile long. It's a self-guided tour, and due to complete darkness and uneven floors, bringing a flashlight and sturdy shoes is highly recommended. The cave is typically open from May to October.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in Hat Creek?
Yes, the Hat Creek Flow and Spattercone Nature Trail has a portion that is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to experience the unique volcanic features. Additionally, Hat Creek Park offers ADA-accessible fishing platforms along the creek, and the Old Station Visitor Information Center is wheelchair accessible.
What are the best viewpoints in the Hat Creek area?
The Hat Creek Rim Scenic Vistapoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of Hat Creek Valley, Lassen Peak, Burney Mountain, and even Mount Shasta. It's a significant geological feature with interpretive signs, restrooms, and picnic sites.
When is the best time to visit Hat Creek attractions?
Many of the natural attractions, such as Subway Cave, are typically open from May to October. This period generally offers favorable weather for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the volcanic landscapes. However, the Hat Creek Rim can be very exposed and hot during summer, so plan accordingly with plenty of water.
Where does the Pacific Crest Trail pass through the Hat Creek area?
Portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) pass directly through the Hat Creek area, offering extensive hiking opportunities. The Hat Creek Ranger District alone encompasses 62 miles of the trail. The Pacific Crest Trailhead - Old Station Road Hwy 44 is a strategic access point, and the PCT also crosses the parking lot at the Hat Creek Rim Scenic Vistapoint.
Are there any historical sites or trails in the region?
Yes, the Nobles Trail, established in 1851, is a historical trail that played a role in guiding immigrants through the region. While not directly an attraction, the Hat Creek Radio Observatory is a notable scientific point of interest in the area.
What should I consider regarding water sources when hiking the PCT near Hat Creek?
When hiking northbound from Old Station, the PCT section along the Hat Creek Rim can be very dry. The Subway Cave parking lot and the nearby Old Station Visitor Information Center are crucial last water sources before ascending the rim. Further north, Lost Creek (about 8 miles from Subway Cave) and Cache 22 (another 8 miles) are generally reliable. The Rock spring - creek crossing and campspot is often the first reliable drinking water after a significant waterless section.
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