Spatter Cones Nature Trail

The self-guided interpretive trail traverses through the origin of the Hat Creek Lava Flow. Erupting in fountains and gushing from vents, the lava built small spatter cones along a 2-mile fissure. The vents also fed flows that reached many miles down Hat Creek Valley. A mosaic of plants has gained a foothold here, while pine forest frows in deeper soils at the flow's edges.

The loop trail, approximately 1.7 miles long, wanders through spatter cones with views of the Hat Creek Valley and Lassen Peak.

Some portions of the trail are steep. Due to hot, dry conditions, it is best to take this hike in the early morning or later afternoon and carry water.  This landscape looks tough but it needs your protection and respect. Stay on maintained trails. Some rock formations are unstable and fragile. Plants and animals work hard to survive

For more information about the geology of the Hat Creek Valley, explore the Old Station Visitor Information Center, Subway Cave and Hat Creek Rim Overlook. These sites are all located within 4 miles of Spatter Cones Trail

At a Glance