The Bizz Johnson Trail

Northeastern California is home to the scenic Bizztrailheads. The 18-mile segment along the Susan River
Johnson Trail. The trail runs along the Susan River infrom Westwood Junction to Susanville is an easy hike,
Lassen County. Bizz Johnson Trail follows the oldand is the most scenic. It features the adjacent river
Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southernand canyon and vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Pacific railroad. It runs over 25 miles from Susanville toMulti-geared, wide-tire mountain bicycles are best for
Mason Station. The main trailhead is located at the oldtrail use, as the trail surface consists of a relatively
Railroad Depot in the City of Susanville, just under 100level railroad grade. Bicyclers should exercise caution
miles north of Reno and roughly 100 miles east of Redwhen crossing planking on decked bridges and when
Bluff, California. The Bizz Johnson Trail follows theriding through unlighted tunnels. Equestrians are
Susan River for the 1st 16 miles of its length. The trail'swelcome on Bizz Johnson Trail. The trail features 11
landscape is a combination of semi-arid canyon andbridges are passable on horseback, as are two tunnels
upland forests of pine and fir as it crosses the river 12It is important to share the trail. Walkers and bicyclists
times as it winds through the rugged Susan Rivershould yield to horseback riders. Cross-country skiing is
Canyon on a number of bridges and trestles. It alsopopular here as well. The best areas for cross-country
passes through 2 tunnels. The trail then follows existingskiing are on the trail's upper 18 1/2-mile segment. The
roads for another 4 1/2 miles into Westwood,lower 7 miles of trail from Highway 36 east to
California. Because of its high elevation the trail has 4Susanville may also be skied following major snowfall.
distinct seasons, but autumn is the most popular timeSkiers should check local weather conditions before
to visit. The gorgeous autumn colors make thebeginning a cross-country skiing expedition, and always
scenery along the Bizz Johnson Trail some of theuse caution. Anglers will find that fishing in the Susan
most photographic in the country. Autumn is also theRiver is best from spring to early summer. The Susan
time for the annual Rails to Trails Festival in Susanville.River is home to rainbow and brown trout, speckled
When hiking the Bizz Johnson drinking water should bedace and more. Primitive camping is allowed along the
packed in or treated because water sources foundtrail on Forest Service Land. There is a 7-day camping
along the trail are not safe for drinking thanks in part tolimit and campfires require permits from the Bureau of
the cattle and stock that use the river upstream. ALand Management, U.S. Forest Service or the
number of day hikes are possible from the manyCalifornia Department of Forestry.