Explore Hat Creek in Northern California
By the Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association
As pioneers made their way through the Shasta Cascade Mountain Range, there was a stream some had to cross.
While a couple of pioneers were crossing this stream, one of their hats had fallen off of their head and landed in the water.
Thus, Hat Creek was born, or so goes the old wives tale.
Hat Creek winds its way through the Lassen National Forest and is known as one of the most famous fly fishing streams in Northern California and offers some great spin fishing.
People from all over come here to fish, camp, hike, and explore the volcanic geology this area of the Shasta Cascade Region has to offer.
Fishing is definitely among one the favorite activities at Hat Creek.
This clear and crisp body of water contains trophy Rainbow, Brook and Brown Trout that make for an excellent sport.
You’ll find these fish in the long series of riffles, pockets, and the deep pools formed by ledges. Look in the thick, luscious green grasses and keep your eye out for the various insects to give you an idea of what fly you should have on your hook.
Although fishing is the most popular activity on this stream, there are plenty of other fun activities in the area.
The volcanic geology offers many spectacular opportunities to explore the wonders and mystery of the Earth’s ever changing crust.
Walk along the Cinder Cone Trail and Spatter Cone Trail to view different kinds of volcanoes and wildlife that inhabit the area.
Just south of Hat Creek near Old Station is the Subway Cave.
This is a 20,000 year old lava tube that keeps at a consistent temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit even when the temperature outside reaches the triple digits.
If you venture even further south you’ll run into Lassen Volcanic National Park where all four types of volcanoes found in the world are found, amongst other volcanic wonders.
For the adventurous hearts, Hat Creek runs through one of the Shasta Cascade’s National Forests. The Lassen National Forest lies at the heart of one of the most fascinating areas of California, called the Crossroads.
Here the granite of the Sierra Nevada, the lava of the Cascades and the Modoc Plateau, and the sagebrush of the Great Basin meet and bland. All of this terrain offers a canvas for unlimited outdoor recreational opportunities.
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association is a non-profit organization seeking to promote economic development through recreation and tourism in Butte, Lassen, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Modoc, and Trinity Counties.
For a free copy of the 64-page visitor’s guide call 1-800-4SHASTA (474-2782) or visit www.shastacascade.com to download an electronic version.
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