Near Pacific Crest Trail: California Section N
Near Pacific Crest Trail: California Section N
Near Pacific Crest Trail: California Section N
Near Pacific Crest Trail: California Section N
Near Pacific Crest Trail: California Section N

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section N

No rating
129.9
mi
Distance
17,463
ft
Gain
extreme
Difficulty
Views

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
129.95mi
Distance
17,463ft
Elevation Gain
16,774ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
7,630ft
High Point
2,218ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Pacific Crest Trail: California Section N is a 130-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that extends from Highway 70 / Belden to Burney Falls. During this section, the trail leaves the Sierra Nevada and enters the Cascade Mountain Range, a major mountain range in western North America that extends from Northern California to British Columbia, Canada, and is made up of thousands of volcanoes (most of which are now extinct). There is a national park, tall volcanic peaks, and a notoriously dry area along Hat Creek Rim. This stretch of trail is known for being strenuous due to the often hot and dry conditions. The PCT is multi-use, and open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders.The PCT passes through Lassen Volcanic National Park and crosses Highway 89. The trail follows the extremely dry Hat Creek Rim on the Modoc Plateau north of the park as it makes its way towards Mount Shasta offering scenic views of the volcano. WHEN TO GOThe ideal season to visit this area is Fall, between September and October. This avoids the snow of winter and the extreme heat in the summer. MILES AND WAYPOINTS000.00 - Belden Town Resort024.00 - Humboldt Road / Camping area043.00 - Highway 36054.00 - Domingo Springs Trailhead / access to Chester, Ca.058.00 - Southern Boundary for Lassen National Park063.00 - Warner Valley Road / Campground077.00 - Northern Boundary for Lassen National Park089.00 - California 44 / Road to Hat Creek Resort091.50 - Hat Creek Rim Overlook120.00 - Road 299130.00 - Highway 89 and McArthur Burney Falls Memorial ParkPERMITSFor information about regional and/or long distance permits please visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/. LASSEN NATIONAL PARK CAMPING REGULATIONSA permit is required for overnight, backcountry camping in Lassen National Park.A permit is not required for day hiking.A permit is not required if you are staying in an established park campground. Permits must be obtained when you enter the park. HALFMILE MAPSLon Cooper, aka "Halfmile," is a hiker, photographer, and map maker. His website provides a wealth of essential information for prospective trail hikers, such as trail notes, maps, and resupply information. You can find Halfmile's information at https://pctmap.net. PACIFIC CREST TRAIL ASSOCIATION: www.pcta.org The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is a non-profit organization that manages and maintains the Pacific Crest Trail. Visit their website for information about the trail, volunteer opportunities, thru-hiker blogs, trail closures, and more. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONOld Station Visitor Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lassen/recarea/?recid=11430. Hat Creek Rim Overlook: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lassen/recarea/?recid=11427. Lassen National Park: https://www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Chambers Creek Falls

Hike Route

Chambers Creek Falls

Views
moderate
3.42 mi
+1,682 ft
Big Bald Rock

Hike Route

Big Bald Rock

Views
easy
0.7 mi
+203 ft
Feather Falls Loop

Hike Route

Feather Falls Loop

River/Creek
moderate
7.75 mi
+2,584 ft
Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail

Hike Route

Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail

Fall Colors
easy
50.89 mi
+2,099 ft
Old Homestead Loop

Hike Route

Old Homestead Loop

Birding
moderate
5.05 mi
+1,154 ft
Tour de Table Mountain - Phantom Falls Loop

Hike Route

Tour de Table Mountain - Phantom Falls Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
6.87 mi
+994 ft
Contributors
Lani Advokat