![]() The mountain to your immediate left is Sugarloaf Peak its basalt talus often borders the trail.įind two more small waterfalls at 2.2 and 2.4 miles as you and Hat Creek drop gently into a canyon. You’ll also enjoy views of many other Cascade notables, including Mount Shasta, Burney Mountain, Crater Peak, Magee Peak, and Freaner Peak. Look for a small waterfall just beyond a bridge at 0.6 mile, and occasionally look behind you for tree-framed views of Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Alders and willows flourish in the wet environs near the creek’s banks. Continue the mostly level stroll through vegetation that varies from open chaparral dominated by greenleaf manzanita to an open forest of incense cedar, ponderosa and Jeffrey pines, and white firs. Cross over, turn right, and soon reach a massive sugar pine and its foot-long cones. To do the Hat Creek Trail (5E27), head across Highway 89 to the northwest side of Cave Campground, where a wooden footbridge spans the stream near a 5-foot waterfall. ![]() Inside Subway Cave Hiking the Hat Creek Trail Hat Creek from the bridge near Cave Campground ![]() When you emerge into daylight on the far side you have two options: Return through the cave or take the path back to the parking area. Several parts of the tunnel are completely dark though, so you’ll be glad you brought the flashlights. Lighted information signs discuss the cave’s natural history and explain the formation of such colorfully named features as Stubtoe Hall and Lucifers Cul-de-Sac. Lava closest to the surface cooled more rapidly than the lava below, allowing the hotter lava to move farther before solidifying, leaving the cave as an empty space behind it. Vast eruptions of fluid basalt flowed northward through the Hat Creek Valley. Subway Cave, a 1,300-foot-long lava tube, formed around 30,000 years ago. Also follow any posted regulations at the entrance to Subway Cave. It’s always cool in Subway Cave, so bring a sweater and two flashlights per person. Trail map of the Hat Creek Trail, including Subway Cave and Cave Campground. To start your explorations, take the Subway Cave access road on the east side of Highway 89, across the road from Cave Campground and 0.3 mile north of the junctions of Highways 89 and 44 East. Often available at bookstores and outdoor stores (call first!) Driving Directions to the Hat Creek Trail and Subway Cave Trailhead Includes trailhead directions and detailed maps and trail descriptions My compact guidebook has the 125 best day hikes: Best Day Hiking Trails in Upper California
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