The Bizz Johnson Trail

Northeastern California is home to the scenic Bizzfrom Westwood Junction to Susanville is an easy hike,
Johnson Trail. The trail runs along the Susan River inand is the most scenic. It features the adjacent river
Lassen County. Bizz Johnson Trail follows the oldand canyon and vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the SouthernMulti-geared, wide-tire mountain bicycles are best for
Pacific railroad. It runs over 25 miles from Susanville totrail use, as the trail surface consists of a relatively
Mason Station. The main trailhead is located at the oldlevel railroad grade. Bicyclers should exercise caution
Railroad Depot in the City of Susanville, just under 100when crossing planking on decked bridges and when
miles north of Reno and roughly 100 miles east of Redriding through unlighted tunnels.
Bluff, California.Equestrians are welcome on Bizz Johnson Trail. The
The Bizz Johnson Trail follows the Susan River for thetrail features 11 bridges are passable on horseback, as
1st 16 miles of its length. The trail's landscape is aare two tunnels
combination of semi-arid canyon and upland forests ofIt is important to share the trail. Walkers and bicyclists
pine and fir as it crosses the river 12 times as it windsshould yield to horseback riders.
through the rugged Susan River Canyon on a numberCross-country skiing is popular here as well. The best
of bridges and trestles. It also passes through 2 tunnels.areas for cross-country skiing are on the trail's upper
The trail then follows existing roads for another 4 1/218 1/2-mile segment.
miles into Westwood, California.The lower 7 miles of trail from Highway 36 east to
Because of its high elevation the trail has 4 distinctSusanville may also be skied following major snowfall.
seasons, but autumn is the most popular time to visit.Skiers should check local weather conditions before
The gorgeous autumn colors make the scenery alongbeginning a cross-country skiing expedition, and always
the Bizz Johnson Trail some of the most photographicuse caution.
in the country. Autumn is also the time for the annualAnglers will find that fishing in the Susan River is best
Rails to Trails Festival in Susanville.from spring to early summer. The Susan River is home
When hiking the Bizz Johnson drinking water should beto rainbow and brown trout, speckled dace and more.
packed in or treated because water sources foundPrimitive camping is allowed along the trail on Forest
along the trail are not safe for drinking thanks in part toService Land. There is a 7-day camping limit and
the cattle and stock that use the river upstream.campfires require permits from the Bureau of Land
A number of day hikes are possible from the manyManagement, U.S. Forest Service or the California
trailheads. The 18-mile segment along the Susan RiverDepartment of Forestry.