"Hat Creek Flowing Near Bridge Campground"
By: Micheal Lee (Janesville, CA)
During a mid-October drive through Shasta County, California, I stopped at the Bridge Picnic Area along Hat Creek in search of some early fall color. It was still a touch premature for full autumn hues, but a few trees by the water were already shifting nicely. The low morning sun filtering through the foliage across the creek caught my eye, giving the scene a soft glow that felt worth stopping for. Not long after, a blanket of gray clouds rolled in and the mood completely changed—I was glad I’d made that stop when I did. Hat Creek is a classic Northern California stream, winding through pine forests and volcanic terrain between Lassen Volcanic National Park and the Pit River. Its cold, clear waters are spring-fed, making it one of the most consistent and celebrated trout fisheries in the state. The creek’s gentle flow and varied sections—ranging from wide, slow glides to fast, rocky runs—offer both scenic beauty and prime angling. Hat Creek’s origins lie in ancient lava fields, and its name dates back to early pioneers who reportedly lost a hat there—an unremarkable event that left a lasting mark on California geography
Camera Information: Canon 6DII - Canon 24-105_F4L
Image Location: Shasta County California
Category: Scenic Wild Landscapes
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