Pacific Crest Trail: California Section N

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 GO
The 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 WAYPOINTS

000.00 - Belden Town Resort

024.00 - Humboldt Road / Camping area

043.00 - Highway 36

054.00 - Domingo Springs Trailhead / access to Chester, Ca.

058.00 - Southern Boundary for Lassen National Park

063.00 - Warner Valley Road / Campground

077.00 - Northern Boundary for Lassen National Park

089.00 - California 44 / Road to Hat Creek Resort

091.50 - Hat Creek Rim Overlook

120.00 - Road 299

130.00 - Highway 89 and McArthur Burney Falls Memorial Park

PERMITS

For information about regional and/or long distance permits please visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/. 

LASSEN NATIONAL PARK CAMPING REGULATIONS

• A 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 MAPS

Lon 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 INFORMATION

Old 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.