Summary 
| Difficulty | 3 Intermediate |
| Length | 11.2 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
6450 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+1300, -1300 round trip to third plateau |
| Navigation | Road and map (compass may be useful) |
| Time | Most of a day. |
| Season | Spring (see description for more information) |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, West Prospect Peak, Reading Peak |
| Start | Devastated Area located 9.5 miles east of Manzanita Lake Entrance Station. |
Description
Hat Mountain dominates the view to the east from the trailhead. Although the mountain has the shape of a cinder cone, it is actually the result of large lava flows.
The ascent of Hat Mountain is a short extension of the Beyond Summit Lake tour. As you would expect, the vistas from the summit are the highlight of the ascent. The final 0.3 mile of the tour ascends a steep, narrow ridge to the high point on the south rim of the crater.
While the season for this tour is spring, those planning this trip should refer to the Devastated Area tour for additional information about the season.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.4
Elevation change: -50
From the trailhead (1)south on Lassen Park Road for 0.4 mile until you reach the West Fork Hat Creek (2).
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.4 - 2.9
Elevation change: +250
Ski southeast on Lassen Park Road for 2.5 miles until you reach the Summit Lake Ranger Station (3). The ranger station is off the road to the northeast (left).
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 2.9 - 3.3
Elevation change: +50
Ski south on Lassen Park Road for 0.4 mile until you reach Summit Lake (4) and the entrance to the south campground.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 3.3 - 3.4
Elevation change: +0
Leave the road and ski south along the west side of Summit Lake for 0.1 mile until you reach its outlet (5) and cross to its east side. This is the starting point of the climb to the first plateau.
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 3.4 - 3.6
Elevation change: +150
Climb east for 0.2 mile until you reach the first plateau (6).
Waypoint 6 to 7
Miles: 3.6 - 4.0
Elevation change: +50
Ski northeast across the first plateau for 0.4 mile until you reach the starting point of the climb to the second plateau (7).
Waypoint 7 to 8
Miles: 4.0 - 4.1
Elevation change: +100
Climb northeast for 0.1 mile until you reach the second plateau (8).
Waypoint 8 to 9
Miles: 4.1 - 4.4
Elevation change: +50
Ski northeast across the second plateau for 0.3 mile until you reach the starting point of the climb to the third plateau (9).
Waypoint 9 to 10
Miles: 4.4 - 4.8
Elevation change: +250
Climb northeast for 0.4 mile until you reach the third plateau (10).
Waypoint 10 to 11
Miles: 4.8 - 5.3
Elevation change: +50
Ski north and then northwest along the edge of the plateau for a total of 0.5 mile until you reach the start of the steep ridge (11) that ascends Hat Mountain.
Waypoint 11 to 12
Miles: 5.3 - 5.6
Elevation change: +300
Climb west for 0.3 mile up the steep, narrow ridge that ascends to the south rim of the crater (12). The dense woods in the gully to the north (right) of the ridge makes the gully a poor alternative.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 5.6 - 11.2
Elevation change: +50, -1250
Retrace the route for 5.6 miles back to the trailhead (1).
