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This incredible, low volume, spring fed, class 5 run was discovered by Chuck Lees on October 13, 2001. That's right, thanks to the spring upstream, it was still flowing in October when other rivers and creeks were dry. The "Volcano" run is 3 miles long. The first half of the run is class 2-3 with the hardest drops being narrow "mini-gorges". It's low volume, but the water is plenty deep enough. After 1.5 miles, Hat Creek steps up to class 4-5 and ends in "The Hot Lava Gorge" described below. The water is icy cold, crystal clear, and almost certainly drinkable. To get there, drive east on highway 44 from Redding for about 1 hour to the intersection of Highway 44/89. Keep going straight past Subway Cave for about 1 mile. The parking are is on the first left with a stop sign. Put in under the bridge. The take out is 3 miles down stream off highway 89 at Rocky Campground. Scout The Hot Lava Gorge at the turnout at the 4000 ft Elevation sign and the big Pine Tree.
Hat Creek runs just below the Hat Creek Rim Lookout along Highway 89. The Put-in is a roadside parking area and the Take Out at Rocky Campground.
Warm up with some quick ferries under the bridge at the put in and then get ready to drop into "Steam Vent" to get things going! You will recognize this rapid by the recognizable spray shooting up from the lip of the drop.
Next, try your limbo log skills at "Lassen's Log". A truly technical class 5 rapid with a narrow margin for error. Beware the SERIOUS pin rock in the middle just below the log!
"Earthquake" makes you feel like you're in one. Be prepared for getting tossed around through this steep boulder garden. You may even catch some air!! You gotta love California!
Lookout for the "After Shock". A classic little slider that can sneak up on you if you're not careful. The water is fast and furious just upstream and the last eddy is VERY Difficult to catch. Drive to the Left if you miss it!!
"Eruption" does EXACTLY that!! This rapid erupts into the "Hot Lava Gorge" at it does not let up!! This is an extremely technical, steep, fast, and unforgiving gorge with severe consequences! The strongest boaters have lost some knuckle skin. Swims are very dangerous due to under cut banks in the heart of the gorge that you WILL get washed into. Scout, scout, scout this one well! Get your ropes out early and plan on using them!
The whole crew hanging out above "The Hot Lava Gorge" and a bird's eye view of the fast action.
After the "Eruption" comes the lava flow over "Magma Falls". A 6-footer that can take you deep and stuff you into an undercut on either side of the large pool below. BEWARE! Wet Exits above this drop result in scary swims. Take advantage of the rescue platform on river right by the pool.
The Hot Lava Gorge ends with "Lava Tube", another 15 foot cascading drop into deep clean holes. Spectacular!
The Wooden Bridge at Rocky Campground makes for a scenic take out.
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Northern California Weather River Flows Middle Fork of the Feather River Clear Creek Below Whiskeytown Lake Trinity River at Burnt Ranch Gorge
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