Horse Corral Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Hat Creek can be easily accessed from both the PCT and Nobles Emigrant Trail (East) by running 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.

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.