01
Best overall pick
Pacific Crest Trail – Hat Creek Rim Section
Hat Creek Rim Above Hat Creek Valley • High-Desert Rim Trail On The Pacific Crest Trail • Best For Big Views And Longer Mileage
Follow the PCT along Hat Creek Rim for wide-open views of Lassen Peak, Mount Shasta, and the rugged volcanic plateau.
This stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail runs the edge of Hat Creek Rim, with long sightlines and a sense of true backcountry space. Start from one of the highway access points and hike out-and-back as far as your group feels comfortable, keeping in mind the strong sun and limited shade. It is a standout choice for experienced hikers who want a classic Northern California rim walk without committing to a full backpacking trip.
02
Best short nature walk
Hat Creek Spattercone Trail
Near Hat Creek Campground Along Highway 44 • Short Interpretive Trail Through Lava Flows And Pine Forest • Best Quick Family Walk
A compact loop that winds through volcanic spatter cones and open forest, ideal when you want a taste of local geology without a big climb.
The Hat Creek Spattercone Trail offers a low-key loop right off the highway, with gentle grades and easy footing that work for most ages. Interpretive signs explain how the odd mounds and broken rock formed, making it an easy way to turn a leg-stretcher into a mini field trip. Pair it with a picnic or some time by the creek for a simple half-day near camp.
03
Most unique terrain
Subway Cave Lava Tube
Junction Of Highways 44 And 89 Near Old Station • Lava-Tube Walk With Short Forest Trail • Coolest Hot-Day Escape
Walk into a naturally air-conditioned lava tube on this short, family-friendly route that mixes geology lesson with adventure.
Subway Cave is a straightforward hike but a memorable one: a brief surface path leads to stairs dropping into a dark, chilly lava tube you can walk end-to-end. Bring a strong flashlight, sturdy shoes, and a light jacket—the temperature underground stays cool even when the Hat Creek valley bakes. It is an easy add-on to other nearby hikes and a sure hit with kids and first-time visitors.
04
Best national park loop
Manzanita Lake Loop – Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park North Entrance • Gentle Lakeside Loop With Peak Reflections • Best Relaxed Half-Day Outing
Circle Manzanita Lake on a mostly flat trail with postcard views of Lassen Peak reflected in the water.
Just a scenic drive from Hat Creek, the Manzanita Lake Loop gives you classic Lassen scenery with very little effort. The path hugs the shoreline, wandering through pines, meadows, and sandy coves that make natural photo and snack stops. Go early or near sunset for calmer water and fewer crowds, and consider renting a kayak or canoe afterward to see the views from the lake itself.
05
Best waterfall day trip
Burney Falls Loop – McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Mcarthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Near Burney • Waterfall Loop Through Lush Canyon • Best Scenic Road-Trip Add-On
A short but dramatic loop that drops to the base of Burney Falls and follows the creek through a cool, shaded canyon.
From Hat Creek, Burney Falls makes a rewarding half-day drive with a big visual payoff. The loop trail descends to an overlook and then to the pool at the base, where spray and constant flow keep the air cool even in summer. Continue along the creek through mossy walls and deep shade, then climb back to the rim for another vantage on one of Northern California’s signature waterfalls.