01
Best close-to-town walk
Modoc Line Rail Trail – Viewland Segment
Between Nubieber And Lookout • High-Desert Rail Trail • Best Open-Sky Stroll
A wide-open rail trail segment that lets you wander the sagebrush flats between Nubieber and Lookout with big sky in every direction.
This former rail line is one of the easiest ways to get a real feel for the open country that surrounds Nubieber without needing a full day in the backcountry. Grades are gentle, the tread is straightforward, and you can walk out as far as you like before turning back, making it friendly for mixed groups and casual walkers. Go late in the day for softer light, long shadows across the basin, and a good chance at spotting pronghorn or raptors riding the thermals.
02
Most iconic waterfall
Burney Falls Loop, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Southwest Of Nubieber Near Burney • Waterfall Loop Hike • Classic Road-Trip Stop
A short, well-built loop with nonstop views of Burney Falls, one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Northern California.
The main loop trail circles Burney Falls, weaving between overlooks, misty viewpoints, and the shaded creekside below the falls. It is only a little over a mile, but the combination of spray-cooled air, turquoise pools, and the roar of the cascade makes it feel like a much bigger outing. Expect crowds on summer weekends; if you can swing an early morning or shoulder-season visit, you get the same drama with a fraction of the people.
03
Quiet local favorite
Ash Creek Wildlife Area Trails
South Of Bieber In Big Valley • Wetland Wildlife Walk • Top Pick For Birdwatchers
Easy levee and meadow paths where you can stretch your legs, watch sandhill cranes in season, and soak up the quiet of Big Valley’s wetlands.
Ash Creek’s dikes and informal paths offer low-key walking with big horizons and plenty of wildlife if you slow down and look. In winter and during migration, the marshes can be alive with waterfowl, raptors, and, if you are lucky, the bugling calls of cranes drifting over the valley. Surfaces can be muddy after storms and there is little shade, so waterproof boots and a sun hat are smart even on relatively cool days.
04
Quick volcanic detour
Subway Cave Trail
Old Station, Lassen National Forest • Lava-Tube Nature Trail • Best For Curious Kids
A quick loop that ducks into a cooled lava tube, perfect for a break from summer heat and a kid-friendly introduction to the region’s volcanic past.
From the parking area, a short trail leads straight into the dark, naturally air-conditioned lava tube, then loops back through the forest. The route is signed, easy to follow, and short enough that families and casual hikers can explore at their own pace without committing to a long hike. Bring a real flashlight and a light jacket—the floor is uneven, and the temperature inside the cave stays chilly even on hot afternoons.
05
Best mountain views
Manzanita Lake Loop
Northwest Entrance, Lassen Volcanic National Park • Lakeside National Park Loop • Scenic Half-Day Escape
A mellow lakeshore circuit with constant postcard views of Lassen Peak reflected in the water.
The loop around Manzanita Lake is mostly flat and well-graded, making it a relaxed way to get a classic national park experience without a big climb. Views shift from open vistas of Lassen Peak to quiet inlets lined with pines where you might spot ducks, osprey, or the occasional paddler on the water. Summer and holiday weekends can be busy and the park charges an entrance fee, so plan to arrive early and linger for a picnic or a canoe rental to make the most of the drive from Nubieber.