Hat Creek Valley is a dramatic and beautiful landscape hiding out in Northern California’s Shasta County. Named after a 50-mile-long stream and tributary of the Pit River, the area boasts fascinating geology and scenic views for days. You could certainly make an adventure of exploring it, but when you only have a few hours (or maybe just a few minutes), a stop at this scenic overlook provides a perfect introduction to this wild area. Boasting views of the valley that seem to stretch on forever, plus a magnificent vantage point of Mt. Shasta, you’ll want to be sure to plan a pitstop at Hat Creek Rim Overlook when you have a chance!
Hat Creek Rim Overlook is a scenic overlook about three miles outside the town of Old Station. Providing dramatic views of a landscape rich with geologic history, this overlook is so worth stopping for!
The overlook sits above Hat Creek Valley within the Lassen National Forest. It's located right along Highway 44. The best time to visit the overlook is during spring or summer since snow levels in winter may hinder access to the area.
Hat Creek Rim sits approximately 900-feet above the floor of Hat Creek Valley, so the views are simply outstanding. The views go on and on, and you can even see the magnificent Mt. Shasta towering in the distance.
The rim is geologically unique in that it sits right along a fault where the earth's crust has been actively shifting for tens of thousands of years. Fascinatingly enough, the rim and valley were the same elevations over a million years ago!
The overlook site is wheelchair accessible. There are also picnic tables, vault toilets, and interpretive signs containing information about the area's history. Viewing scopes at the overlook make it possible to get an up-close look at iconic features like Lassen Peak, Crater Peak, Burney Mountain, and Magee Peak.
And if you feel like stretching your legs a bit, simply hop on the Pacific Crest Trail which can be accessed straight from the overlook site. As one of America's great national scenic trails, the views are outstanding!
A great view like this one is worth going out of your way for. Check out Hat Creek Rim Overlook for breathtaking scenery and awesome geology! Be sure to visit the Forest Service website ahead of time to make sure the area is open before you visit.
Did you know about this incredible overlook that provides breathtaking views over Hat Creek Valley? Share your photos and experiences with us in the comments below!
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