PCT Day 83: Hat Creek Rim

ByPurple Haze Posted on

Daily Miles: 34.0, Total Miles: 1411.8

I left the motel a bit after 5am and hiked a few miles to the Hat Creek visitors center. Just a short detour from the trail, I filled up on water for the long, hot haul.

I headed to the Hat Creek Rim and got my first good views of Mt Shasta, my next landmark for a few weeks. Also good views of the Hat Creek valley back towards Lassen Peak.

Mt Shasta from the Hat Creek Rim

Very little shade today due to burns and a sparse forest. The trail stayed mostly on the edge of the rim so could see evidence of volcanic action including old lava flows.

Har Creek Rim water cache

The trail finally dropped off the rim and headed across lava flows, crossed the Cassel-Fall River Mills Road and met Rock Spring Creek, a welcome sight after over 30 miles. Saw the only other hiker of the day, Commando, and we both cooled off and filled up water bottles.

I passed part of the Crystal Lake fish hatchery and camped off of a turnoff beyond the main road.