LASSEN COUNTY A LAND NORTHEAST OF 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 gem of UpState California’s outdoor paradise. It doesn’t matter if you are a winter or summer recreation enthusiast – the mountainous west welcomes hikers, cyclists, mountain bikers, cross-country snow skiers, snowmobilers, and snow-shoers.
You don’t have to be a savvy traveler to enjoy the jewel of Lassen County, 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 trips can set off from many of the trailheads for 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 trailheads can be scheduled. Every October, the Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon races - part of the Coastal Trail Runs held throughout California - draws 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. Highway 36 or Highway 44, Lassen Scenic Byway, circles Lassen Volcanic National Park and leads you to historic Susanville where the lifestyle and neighborly hospitality of an era long passed is still honored by the local community. 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. Check with the Lassen Chamber of Commerce to find more activities in the area and other winter activities such as Fredonyer Snowmobile Park – 10 miles west of Susanville on Hwy. 36 with 80 miles of groomed trails and Bogard Snowmobile Park 22 miles northwest of Susanville on Hwy. 44 with about 80 miles of ungroomed trails. Eagle Lake Photo: Lena Lozano LASSEN COUNTY
Westwood, once one of the largest company lumber towns in the west, is also found along the Lassen Scenic Byway part of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, an All-American Road, located just west of Susanville, built by the Red River Lumber Company in 1912. A statue of legendary logger Paul Bunyan, staggers 24 feet tall, honors Westwood’s heritage and presides over the annual Paul Bunyan Mountain Festival. There are only 27 All American Roads in the entire United States and the communities like Westwood and Susanville along the byway are eager to tell their story and share their uniqueness. Swain Mountain Snowmobile Park- off of road A-21 is about 9 miles north of Westwood with 60 miles of beginner level groomed snowmobile trails. Eagle Lake is another of UpState 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. If fishing isn’t your game, that is okay because Eagle Lake allows waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, and jet skis. Camping facilities dot the shoreline with RV sites on both the south and north shores from tent to full hookup sites and cabin rentals are available too. It is all ready for you with a boat launch, marina, swimming beach, picnic areas, and hiking and biking trails. Susanville Ranch Park, 1,100 beautiful acres of meadows and hills, is another mountain biking, equestrian, and running/ walking paradise with events throughout the year. Visitors can experience impressive biodiversity, with beaver ponds, willows, cottonwoods, watercress, amphibians, reptiles, small and large mammals, birds, and fish. Are you starting to see why Lassen County has loyal fans?
Shasta Cascade Visitors Guide
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