01
Best rail-trail adventure
Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
West Of Johnstonville In The Susan River Canyon • Riverfront Rail-Trail On A Gentle Railroad Grade • Scenic Day Outing For Walkers And Cyclists
A long, mellow riverside trail with tunnels, trestles, and fall colors that make it a Lassen County classic.
Starting in nearby Susanville, the Bizz Johnson follows the Susan River through a narrowing canyon, crossing multiple bridges and passing through short tunnels on its way west. The grade is easy, so you can turn around whenever you like or shuttle a longer section if you’re feeling ambitious. It’s especially striking in autumn, but the soft tread and steady shade make it appealing almost any time the snow is gone.
02
Best close-to-town trail network
Susanville Ranch Park
Foothills Just Northwest Of Susanville • Open-Space Trail Network Through Sagebrush, Oak, And Seasonal Creeks • Go-To Choice For Varied Loops Near Town
A web of singletrack and wider paths where you can build anything from an easy stroll to a solid half-day hike.
Susanville Ranch Park offers rolling terrain, open views, and enough intersecting trails that locals rarely have to repeat the same loop twice. Lower routes stay gentle and family-friendly, while higher ridges add a bit more climb and bigger vistas across the valley. It’s an easy pick when you want dirt under your boots without committing to a long drive.
03
Quick nature break
Lassen Creek Conservation Area Trail
East Of Johnstonville Along The Highway 395 Corridor • Short Creekside Path Through Meadows And Scattered Pines • Convenient Close-To-Home Leg-Stretcher
A compact loop that trades distance for a quiet stretch of water, birdsong, and easy terrain.
The Lassen Creek Conservation Area gives Johnstonville locals a straightforward way to slip into nature without planning a big outing. The walking is mostly flat, following the creek and skirting open meadows where you’re likely to spot wildlife in the quieter hours of the day. It’s ideal for a quick reset, a dog walk, or a gentle introductory hike for visitors.
04
Best lakeside escape
Eagle Lake South Shore Trail
Eagle Lake South Shore Northwest Of Susanville • Lakeside Singletrack With Broad Water And Mountain Views • Best Warm-Weather Getaway
A shoreline route that pairs cool lake breezes with big open views and plenty of spots to linger.
The South Shore Trail at Eagle Lake winds above the water’s edge, weaving through pines and rocky outcrops with frequent glimpses of the wide, blue lake. Grades are mild, so you can adjust your distance to match the daylight and your energy. Pack a picnic, build in time to sit by the water, and you have an easy summer day trip from Johnstonville.
05
Iconic summit hike
Lassen Peak Trail, Lassen Volcanic National Park
High Country In Lassen Volcanic National Park West Of Johnstonville • Alpine Volcanic Summit Trail On A Well-Graded Path • Bucket-List Mountain Challenge For Prepared Hikers
A sustained climb to one of Northern California’s most distinctive summits, with sweeping views that justify every switchback.
The Lassen Peak Trail starts high and heads higher, zigzagging up volcanic slopes that open quickly to views of surrounding ridges and lakes. While the mileage is moderate, the elevation and exposure make it feel like a true mountain outing, best tackled with sturdy footwear, layers, and plenty of water. On a clear day the panorama from the top, stretching across the Cascades and Lassen forest country, is hard to beat within a day’s reach of Johnstonville.