01
Best close-to-town escape
Mountain Meadows Reservoir
Just South Of Westwood • Laid-Back Lakeside Walking And Birding • Easiest After-Work Outing
A mellow network of shoreline paths and dirt roads circles this quiet reservoir just minutes from downtown Westwood.
Locals often head to Mountain Meadows Reservoir—sometimes called Walker Lake—for low-key loops with big sky views and plenty of birdlife. You won’t find signed singletrack, but the mix of two-tracks and informal paths lets you tailor a walk to your time and energy. Go around golden hour for reflections on the water and an easy, breezy way to end the day.
02
Best relaxed rail-trail
Almanor Rail Trail
Between Westwood And Lake Almanor • Forest Rail-Trail On Gentle Grades • Best For Walkers And Casual Cyclists
An old railroad grade turned trail offers easy hiking through pine forest with peeks toward Lake Almanor.
Following a former logging rail line, the Almanor Rail Trail keeps grades mild and footing straightforward, making it a good fit for families and mixed-ability groups. Sections near Westwood feel pleasantly remote, with tall pines, wildflowers in spring, and the occasional deer darting across the corridor. Pick an out-and-back stretch and simply turn around whenever you’re ready—no complicated navigation required.
03
Best full-day adventure
Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
West Of Susanville • Long-Distance Canyon Rail-Trail • Scenic Long Walk Or Bike Ride
This 25-mile rail-trail winds along the Susan River through tunnels, trestles, and colorful canyon walls.
Though best known to cyclists, the Bizz Johnson Trail makes an excellent long walking route or shorter point-to-point hike if you can arrange a shuttle. The gravel path follows the river past lava cliffs, old rail bridges, and open sagebrush benches, with fall colors that draw hikers from across the region. Start from one of the access points closer to Westwood for a quieter outing and an easy-to-follow path that never gets too steep.
04
Most dramatic scenery
Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes, Lassen Volcanic National Park
Butte Lake Area Of Lassen Volcanic • Steep Volcanic Summit Hike • Best For Strong Hikers And Photographers
A short but steep climb up loose cinder rewards you with sweeping views over lava beds, bright pumice dunes, and Lassen’s high country.
From the Butte Lake trailhead, the route to Cinder Cone feels otherworldly, crossing black lava flows before tackling a calf-burning ascent to the rim. The payoff is a wide-open panorama of the Painted Dunes and Fantail Cone, especially striking in late afternoon light. It’s a demanding hike on unstable footing, so bring trekking poles, extra water, and a willingness to take your time on the way down.
05
Best lakeshore trail
Eagle Lake Trail
West Shore Of Eagle Lake • Pine-Shaded Shoreline Path • Laid-Back Weekend Wander
A well-used trail traces the forested shoreline of Eagle Lake with constant water views and spots to detour down to the beach.
About an hour’s drive from Westwood, Eagle Lake offers a change of scene with a long, mostly gentle path hugging its western edge. The trail alternates between shady pine stands and open stretches where you can watch osprey hunt or sun glint off the chop. It’s an easy one to turn into a picnic-and-swim day: hike a few miles, claim a quiet cove, and linger by the water before heading back.