Old Station and the Hat Creek Corridor as a Pacific Crest Trail Stop

Old Station is a small community and service cluster near the Pacific Crest Trail in the Hat Creek region of Northern California. For northbound hikers, it appears after the Lassen and Chester area and just before the extended traverse of the Hat Creek Rim, a section recognized for its exposure, heat, and relatively spaced-out water sources during many summer seasons.

Because Old Station’s year-to-year services are limited in scope compared with larger towns, hikers often use it for targeted resupply rather than for fully restocking all items. Typical offerings may include a small store, campground-related facilities, and options for food and basic supplies. In some seasons, hikers arrange for mailed resupply boxes to be held at local businesses or facilities, ensuring access to particular items that may not be stocked on shelves.

The PCT passes near local roads, making access to Old Station and nearby amenities relatively straightforward. Short road walks, campground connectors, or simple wayfinding along signed routes usually suffice to reach services, though exact details can shift over time as businesses open, close, or adjust their offerings.

Old Station’s position makes it a natural place to pause, eat a meal, and prepare water and food strategies for the Hat Creek Rim. Hikers often examine upcoming water sources, temperatures, and daily mileage goals to decide whether to depart in the cool of the morning or arrange their schedule to avoid the highest afternoon heat along exposed segments.

As with other small hubs along the PCT, the specific mix of services at Old Station can change between seasons. Hikers planning to rely on facilities here typically consult current guides, official communications, and recent user reports to confirm which options are active during the period they expect to pass through.