LASSEN COUNTY AND LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK
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assen County has a following of ardent, loyal fans, in part because it remains largely undiscovered despite being a jewel of Northern California and an outdoor recreation paradise. The mountainous west encourages camping, hiking, and fishing and often welcomes snowmobilers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Savvy visitors to Lassen County can take advantage of the Bizz Johnson Trail, known as one of the best “rail to trail” conversions in California.
The trail was named for Congressman Harold T. “Bizz” Johnson, and winds 25.4 miles through the rugged Susan River Canyon, following the old Southern Pacific Railroad line and featuring twelve bridges, two tunnels, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Popular day hikes can set off from many of the trail heads, and the trail offers equestrian, hiking, and mountain bike trails. In true Lassen County fashion, no outdoor enthusiast is left out: camping and fishing are also allowed along the trail, and shuttles between trail heads can be scheduled. Every October, the Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon races—part of the Coastal Trail Runs held throughout California—draw hundreds of runners, many from out of the area. This Boston Marathon qualifying race is held at the same time as the popular Rails to Trails Festival in Susanville. Head west to Lassen Volcanic National Park for incredible mountain scenery reminiscent of Yosemite, as well as fascinating thermal wonders similar to Yellowstone, with only a fraction of the visitors of the more famous parks. Lassen boasts steam vents, mudpots, and hot springs, which can all be seen by hiking the 1.5 mile trail to Bumpass Hell. All four types of volcanoes (shield, plug dome, cinder cone, and composite) call Lassen Park home, with Lassen Peak being the largest plug dome volcano in the world. Near Lassen Peak, the road reaches 8,512 feet, making it the highest road in the Cascade Mountain range. Camp, fish, kayak, and picnic in the park at the picturesque Manzanita Lake and Summit Lakes, and visit the Loomis Museum for a peek into the day in 1915 when Lassen’s fateful eruption was caught on camera. Driving east on Highway 36 or Highway 44 from Lassen Volcanic National Park via the Lassen Scenic Byway, historic Susanville still honors the lifestyle and neighborly hospitality of an era long passed. On the first Saturday
in December, you’ll experience holiday festivities like none other at the annual Magical Country Christmas Celebration on historic Main Street. Westwood, located just west of Susanville, was built by the Red River Lumber Company in 1912, and was one of the largest company lumber towns in the West. A statue of legendary logger Paul Bunyan staggers 24 feet tall, honoring Westwood’s heritage and presiding over the annual Paul Bunyan Mountain Festival. Eagle Lake is another of Northern California’s record holders: the second largest natural lake in California is located 16 miles north of Susanville and is home to the world-famous Eagle Lake Trout, a species entirely unique to the lake. These “super trout” average 3-5 lbs. and attract fishing enthusiasts from all over. Camping facilities dot the shoreline and a boat launch, marina, swimming beach, picnic areas, and hiking and biking trails are available. Susanville Ranch Park, 1,100 beautiful acres of meadows and hills, offers mountain biking, equestrian, and running/ walking opportunities, and events throughout the year. Visitors can experience impressive biodiversity, with beaver ponds, willows, cottonwoods, watercress, amphibians, reptiles, small and large mammals, birds, and fish. Year-round experiences from summer camping, hiking, and fishing to autumn hunting, winter snowmobiling and sledding, and wildlife watching in the spring, make Lassen County the ideal getaway for any outdoor recreation lover. For further information contact ShastaCascade Wonderland Association at 800-474-2782 or www.shastacascade.com.
Eagle Lake Photo: Lena Lozano LASSEN COUNTY
Shasta Cascade Visitors Guide
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