Hiking Project Logo

Short side trail to Hat Creek, a good water source and place to relax.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

0.6

Miles

0.9

KM

Point to Point

6,187' 1,886 m

High

6,106' 1,861 m

Low

28' 8 m

Up

82' 25 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

Hat Creek can be easily accessed from both the PCT and Nobles Emigrant Trail (East) by hiking Horse Corral Trail. From the PCT, look for a marked trail junction at the Horse Corral Trail start shown in this description. Finding Horse Corral Trail from Nobles Emigrant Trail (East) is a bit trickier - there is no trail sign, only a cut gap in a downed log (see pictures).

From the PCT, Horse Corral Trail heads south in the pine forest. After climbing a small rise, the trail descends down to Hat Creek. The pine forest is thin here with sparse undergrowth. The 2012 Reading Wildfire came through here so there are bare burnt trunks too. As one starts to descend, Lassen Peak can be seen in the distance through the trees. The trail levels out after about a quarter mile, and Hat Creek is reached at the 0.4 mile mark.

Upon reaching Hat Creek, Horse Corral Trail turns east as it continues through the pine forest. From here to the trail end the low undergrowth is thicker as this area abounds with mule's ears. Horse Corral Trail ends at Nobles Emigrant Trail (East) after 0.6 miles.

Flora & Fauna

This area is regenerating from the 2012 Reading Wildfire. There are healthy firs, including some very large ones that survived the fire. And there are bare burnt trunks. Mule's ears and their bright yellow flowers are found along the last 0.2 miles. Also lupines. Shy deer frequent this area as evidenced by tracks.

Contacts

Shared By:

Joan Pendleton

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#32324

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
5 Star
0%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
100%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#3,675

in California

#32,324

Overall
2 Views Last Month
102 Since Jun 19, 2020
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
50%
50%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Lupines (purple flowers in the foreground) blooming along Hat Creek that is just off Horse Corral Trail.
Jun 19, 2020 near Shingle…, CA
A burn area of the 2012 Reading Fire, with Horse Corral Trail traveling through. Lassen Peak can be seen in the distance through the burnt trunks.
Jun 19, 2020 near Shingle…, CA
Tall pines and mules ears (bottom left) along the southern portion of Horse Corral Trail.
Jun 19, 2020 near Shingle…, CA
The unmarked southern terminus of Horse Corral Trail is between the two cut logs on the left. This is the view when approaching from the south on Nobles Emigrant Trail (East). Turn left through these two logs to rxh Horse Corral Trail.
Jun 19, 2020 near Shingle…, CA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.