Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail:
California
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Description:
The longest, and arguably most scenic, rail-trail in California, this spectacular path runs between Westwood and Susanville in Lassen County. It cuts through the thick woodlands of the high country into the majestic Susan River Canyon, passing numerous historic sites such as tunnels and trestles along the way.
The Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail follows the route of the old Fernley and Lassen Railroad line, which was established in 1914 for transporting logs and milled lumber to and from the Westwood Mill. The mill closed in 1956, and in 1978, Southern Pacific Railroad received approval to discontinue use of the old rail line. The federal Bureau of Land Management spearheaded conversion of the corridor to a trail, and former California congressional representative Harold T. "Bizz" Johnson, who served in the House of Representatives from 1958 to 1980, was instrumental in establishing the segment as a rails-to-trails conversion for recreational use. The trail is named in his honor.
Heading from Westwood to Susanville, the route is mainly flat or slightly downhill. You are surrounded by open forest for the first 4.5 miles, and then you follow the Susan River for the last 16 miles. As it winds through the rugged Susan River Canyon, the trail crosses the river 12 times on bridges and trestles and passes through two tunnels. The landscape is a combination of semiarid canyon and upland forests of pine and fir. Beyond the canyon, the trail follows existing roads an additional 4.5 miles into Westwood, where a railroad station-type kiosk and a 25-foot carved redwood statue of Paul Bunyan mark the Westwood trailhead.
In the spring and early summer, trail users can hike, mountain bike, and horseback ride on the Bizz Johnson. Another highlight is camping along and fishing in the Susan River for rainbow and brown trout in the spring and early summer. Visitors can camp along the trail on Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands for up to seven days unless otherwise posted. The camping is primitive, and permits are required for campfires. In the winter months, 18.5 miles of the trail are open for cross-country skiing. If possible, plan your visit to coincide with the annual three-day Rails to Trails Festival, which takes place at the Susanville Depot in early October and includes live music, a barbecue, railroad handcar rides and other activities that are great for families.
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Parking & Trail Access:
Take Highway 36 to Westwood, turn north onto Lassen County Road A-21 and continue 3 miles to County Road 101 (just before the railroad tracks). Follow County Rd 101 a half mile until you reach Mason Station trailhead. There is ample parking at the station. You will see a large sign with trail brochures near a restroom and the trailhead. Follow the path from the trailhead for a quarter mile until you reach the railroad grade.
To reach the Susanville Depot, follow Highway 36, which becomes Main Street in Susanville. Continue on Main Street through Historic Uptown Susanville to Weatherlow Street, at the first stoplight at the base of the hill. Turn right on Weatherlow (which becomes Richmond Road) and continue a half mile to the Susanville Railroad Depot Trailhead Visitor Center. The trail begins at the depot, which has parking.
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Seasonal Restrictions:
This trail can be used year-round, although I can be difficult to utilize when it is muddy. The Westwood end of the trail generally has snow on it from December to March.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Everytime is better. Ray Bryant Various
By Ray96103 on March 10, 2008
I have ridden the Bizz Johnson Trail many times and have always had a great trip and every time is different. Lassen Country and Modoc County plus the BLM are working of converting the railroad from Weeden to Alturus to a trail system. The Bizz Johnson Trail is being pushed east to Weeden. BLM has several bus weekend bus trips from Susanville to Westwood that allows you ride one way.Call 530-257-0456 for details and dates. The trail is gravel and is kept is good condition. It a 25+ mile trip but it is easy and plenty of places to rest. I'm 80 this year and we are planning a trip down the Bizz Johnson Trail so you know we always have a good time.
So fun
By kelli on October 16, 2006
My husband and I left the Susanville depot and rode up to Gomaz. It was fun and very colorful. We went Oct. 2006. It was not hard and it was fun. I am a rode bike person I had fun on a moutain bike. Going back was all down hill so relaxing. I recommond this trail to any one. Rode to westwood 2 years ago and it was a joy that why we came back. got a late start so didnt get to go all the way. Another time we plan oin doing a round trip. Someday
Great 7-mile section - easy
By Tara Goddard on April 04, 2006
"This trail is listed as difficult, but the 7-mile bottom section is quite easy, and slopes gently down into Susanville. I grew up walking and biking this trail. No sweat even for smaller children on bikes, provided you stop at the great river-side beaches and play. The best part is the two (I think) rail tunnels - perfect adventure for kids. Dark and cool inside.

Ask a ranger for directions to the trailhead that is only about 7 miles out of Susanville."
Browse Trails by Activity:
Susan River a few miles above Susanville.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Susanville Depot (Susanville) to Mason Station (Westwood)
Counties: Lassen
Trail Length: 25.4 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Gravel, Ballast
Trail Activities: Bike, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Snowmobiling, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6015215

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Guidebook: Learn more about other Western rail-trails in RTC's Western Guidebook.
Trail of the Month: November 2008
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