Bizz Johnson Trail turns Lassen County's old rail line into a ride

The Bizz Johnson Trail gives Lassen County one of those routes where the travel story and the scenery line up. The trail follows the old Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific railroad for 25.4 miles from Susanville toward Mason Station.

The first long stretch follows the Susan River through rugged canyon country. The trail crosses the river 12 times on bridges and trestles and passes through two tunnels. Even a short outing from Susanville can feel like a slow tour through the old rail and logging landscape.

The trail is non-motorized and open to hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, anglers, winter users, and people out for wildlife or fall color. The BLM also notes that wet or muddy conditions can damage the trail, so timing matters after storms.

For a good trip, start with the BLM map and choose a trailhead that matches your distance. Susanville is the easiest first stopway for most visitors, especially if you want the canyon feel without planning the whole 25.4 miles.