WELCOME TO OLD STATION, CALIFORNIA
Gordon's Rim Rock Ranch is conveniently located in the heart of Old Station along the wild and beautiful Hat Creek. We're just a few miles from some of the best recreational areas Lassen has to offer! Besides the snow-sporting fun and the world-class trout fishing along Hat Creek, there is so much to see here! Please see our favorite places below listed by distance (closest first). We encourage you to explore our area while you stay with us. Our store staff can usually answer questions about the local places, come see us!
Fishing Access
Across the Street +
Hat Creek offers what many consider "world class creek trout fishing". From fly fishing to basic spinner and bait fishing, you're almost sure to catch one of millions of planted trout, and if you're lucky, you'll hook a native! Hat Creek is open year-round for fishing, but please see fishing regulations for catch-and-release vs keeping species and what types of hooks are legal in specific areas. Click on the image for planting schedule & map.
The best fishing spots are coveted by locals, but these are popular spots and some regularly planted by the Crystal Lake Fish Hatchery:
Right across the street from Rim Rock Ranch there is a small trail where 1-3 people can fish from the bank.
0.5 miles south: Old Station Picnic Area (public fishing access & picnic area)
0.75 miles south: Hat Creek Campground fishing access (fee for camping, public parking area just outside campground)
2.5 miles south: Hat Creek Post Office public fishing access under the bridge - look for sign (a spot often planted)
28 miles north: Baum Lake/Crystal Lake Fish Hatchery (best fly fishing from float-tube, kayak or small vessel - electric motors only)
34 miles north: Lake Britton (see info below)
Hiking Trails
1 Mile +
One of the many things to do in the Lassen area is take advantage of so many hiking trails. The Pacific Crest Trail runs for several miles through our area, and we see lots of hikers every summer who either take respite in our cabins, glampers or tent-campground, as well as stock up with supplies in our Country Store. Please click on the image for a link to AllTrails.com's TOP 10 hikes in the area around Old Station.
A 1.7 mile loop trail that wanders through spatter cones formed during the eruption of Lassen. Take your time and enjoy views of the Hat Creek Valley and Lassen Peak. Some portions of the trail are steep. Due to hot, dry conditions, it is best to take this hike in the early morning or later afternoon and carry plenty of drinking water.
Subway Cave
1 Mile
This popular attraction is a natural formation consisting of fissures and cracks along a 1,300-foot-long lava tube with a rough floor and smooth walls and ceiling. Explore the cave's formations including Lucifer's Cul-de-Sac, The Sanctum, and Lavacicle Lane. Learn about the region's volcanic history and the Hat Creek lava flow that created the cave.
How to get there:
The trailhead is located 1/4 mile north of the junction of Highway 44 and Highway 89, just 1 mile north of Rim Rock Ranch on the east side of the highway. The parking area has picnic tables and toilets. The entrance to the cave is a short walk from the parking area and is marked by a metal flight of stairs.
What to bring:
A flashlight or headlamp, sturdy shoes, and a light jacket.
When to go:
Subway Cave is open from late May to October. Winter weather conditions restrict access during other times of the year
McArthur-Burney Falls State Park
34 Miles
McArthur Burney Falls State Park experiences extremely high visitation beginning in April and continuing through October. Most weekends all summer the park will fill to capacity and entrance into the park is subject to closure due to limited parking availability. Visitors should expect traffic delays on State Highway 89 for up to an hour prior to entering the park due to the increased visitation.
Click Here for Information from Parks & Recreation's website
The park's centerpiece is the 129-foot Burney Falls, which is not the highest or largest waterfall in the state, but possibly the most beautiful. Additional water comes from springs, joining to create a mist-filled basin. Burney Creek originates from the park's underground springs and flows to Lake Britton, getting larger along the way to the majestic falls. The park's landscape was created by volcanic activity as well as erosion from weather and streams. This volcanic region is surrounded by mountain peaks and is covered by black volcanic rock, or basalt. Created over a million years ago, the layered, porous basalt retains rainwater and snow melt, which forms a large underground reservoir. Within the park, the water emerges as springs at and above Burney Falls, where it flows at 100 million gallons every day.
Lake Britton
34 Miles
Lake Britton is a reservoir located just east of Burney, California. It is known for its wide variety of fish including trout, crappie, bass and carp. Its main body is situated to the west of State Route 89, and is mostly surrounded by PG&E Land, Forest Service Land, and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. The photo is from the Jamo Point Boat Launch, it's located right near the railroad trestle bridge featured in the movie "Stand By Me".
Lake Britton is an excellent 1037 acre body of water situated at just over 2,700 feet in elevation. It's a perfect place to go camping, boating, kayaking among other outdoor activities. The best time to visit is in the summer when the water is perfect for cooling off in the Shasta County summer heat!