Attractions and Places To See around Old Station - Top 20

Old Station is renowned for its volcanic landscapes. You can explore the impressive Subway Cave spur trail, a large lava tube that's easy to walk through. Another unique spot is Lost Creek Source, where a creek runs underground before emerging from giant boulders, creating a lush green tunnel. Don't miss the striking Painted Dunes, composed of sunset-colored volcanic ash, or the Spatter Cone Trail for more volcanic formations.

Yes, the Hat Creek Rim Scenic Vistapoint offers expansive views of both Mount Lassen and majestic Mount Shasta. It's also a significant point along the Pacific Crest Trail and features a day-use picnic area.

Old Station is a significant point along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), offering a trailhead for long-distance hikers. For shorter excursions, you can find various hiking routes, including the Subway Cave Trail, a 1 km easy walk, or the Spatter Cones Trail loop. The area also offers more challenging sections of the PCT, such as the Hat Creek Rim section.

Absolutely. The Subway Cave spur trail is a short, easy half-mile walk that leads to the impressive lava tube cave. Additionally, the Spatter Cones Trail loop from Old Station is another easy option, covering about 2.5 km and exploring volcanic formations.

Yes, the region offers challenging hikes, particularly along the Pacific Crest Trail. The section from Pacific Crest Trailhead - Old Station Road Hwy 44 northbound involves a significant ascent to the Hat Creek Rim, with limited shade and water sources for long stretches. The descent to Lost Creek Source also involves a challenging 500-foot elevation change.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is located just 13 miles north of Old Station, making it an easily accessible day trip. The park is home to Lassen Peak, the world's largest plug dome volcano, and features all four types of volcanoes. Visitors can explore active boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs, showcasing a diverse volcanic landscape.

Old Station holds a rich history as a former stagecoach stop on the Sacramento to Yreka trail, dating back to 1857. It also served as a temporary military post. The area is located on an alternate route of the historic Nobles Emigrant Trail, used by gold seekers around 1852. The original Hat Creek Station was established in 1856 and later became known as "Old Station" after its abandonment.

While the original Hat Creek Station site is historically significant, the area also features the Hat Creek Radio Observatory, approximately 9 miles away. This observatory was notable as the first radio telescope dedicated to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI).

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Subway Cave spur trail is an easy walk into a fascinating lava tube, often enjoyed by children. The Hat Creek Rim Scenic Vistapoint offers a day-use picnic area with stunning views, perfect for a family outing. The Old Station Visitor Information Center also provides educational displays about the volcanic area.

Yes, the Old Station Visitor Information Center is an interagency national forest visitor center. It provides valuable information about the Hat Creek volcanic area, the Pacific Crest Trail, and other local hiking trails. It also offers restrooms and drinking water, and rents out flashlights for exploring Subway Cave.

The best time to visit Old Station is generally during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall (May to October). This period offers ideal conditions for hiking, exploring the volcanic features, and enjoying the scenic viewpoints. Winter can bring snow, limiting access to some trails and attractions.

The Old Station Visitor Information Center is wheelchair accessible, offering facilities and information. The Hat Creek Rim Scenic Vistapoint also has paved access to its day-use picnic area and restrooms, making it accessible for enjoying the views.

When hiking northbound from Old Station on the Pacific Crest Trail, reliable water sources are crucial. You can find water at the spigot near the Subway Cave spur trail parking lot. Further along, Lost Creek Source (about 8 miles north) is a key water source, though it requires a descent. Cache 22 at Forest Road 22 (about 16 miles north) is also generally reliable.