Here’s a nice walk with virtually no elevation gain. The well-marked trail passes through the riparian area along Battle Creek. Coleman Fish Hatchery is currently closed to the public because of the COVID-19 virus, so begin your walk at the Battle Creek Wildlife Area, which you’ll find on the right-hand side of the road about one mile before the hatchery. This is the location of the Oaktree Trailhead, and it’s where you’ll start to hike along Battle Creek en route to Coleman Fish Hatchery, a round trip distance of four miles.
Along the way you’ll be treated to views of Battle Creek and several ponds, as well as vistas of Mt. Lassen. You will also find informational signs that identify many plants and birds.
There are lots of eye-popping fields of flowers both before and beyond the Oaktree Trailhead. I discovered many bird’s-eye gilia flowers about one-half mile beyond the closed entrance of Coleman Fish Hatchery. -Chris Harvey
