Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail:
California
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
The longest, and arguably most scenic, rail-trail in California, the spectacular Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail runs between Westwood and Susanville in Lassen County. It cuts through the thick woodlands of the high country into the awesome Susan River Canyon, passing numerous historic sites such as tunnels and trestles along the way.

Bizz Johnson 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 line. The 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—oddly—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. You can camp along the trail on Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands for up to 7 days unless otherwise posted. The camping is primitive and permits are required for campfires. In the winter 18.5 miles of the trail are open for cross-country skiing.

If possible, plan your visit to coincide with the annual 3-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 fun family activities.

... Click to read more
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 0.5 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 0.25 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 base of the hill. Turn right on Weatherlow (which becomes Richmond Road) and continue 0.5 mile to the Susanville Railroad Depot Trailhead Visitor Center, where you can park. The trail begins at the depot.

... Click to read more
Seasonal Restrictions:
The trail is open year-round, although it can be difficult when muddy. The Westwood end of the trail generally has snow from December to March.
... Click to read more
Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
Easy going...West to East
By bwaddle in December, 2010
I had ridden this trail for the first time back in July, 2000. We made a Loop from the Westwood junction to where Hwy 36 cuts the trail and then we traveled back up the highway.

However, this time we used two vehicle's, one at each end. In August of 2010, we made a one-way trek from Westwood junction to Susanville.

Personally, I think it a great place for an experienced trail rider to introduce a younger/novice rider to a long day on a bike trail. Particularly, if you travel West to East. It's mostly all down hill.
Nevertheless, a rider has to maintain the will to reach the end. Also, one can gain an understanding of preparedness. No where on the trail can one just bail...pull into a Starbucks, drink a cafe mocha and wait for the rest to come back with the car. It helps build discipline and commitment.

It's difficult to get lost on this Trail. Not many splits to navigate. Very well signed. The terrain is suited for most all bikes. Although, I wouldn't recommend taking an old "ten-speed". But it's not necessary to have "RockShox" forks either. We did encounter a section with small boulder's or large rocks(depending on your point-of-view) that we had to steer clear.

All the while, this trail offers some of the wonderful views. Plenty of interesting spot's to stop and take in the scenery. Dip your toe's in the water or jump in !

You can see some of our highlights at: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrBwaddle#p/u/6/BwgmgVtqj8o


Everytime is better. Ray Bryant Various
By Ray96103 in March, 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 in October, 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
Browse Trails by Activity: