Almanac note · Outdoors
Bizz Johnson Trail turns Lassen County's old rail line into a ride
The Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail follows an old Southern Pacific rail line from Susanville toward Mason Station, with river crossings, tunnels, and canyon views.
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.
Where to see it
Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail from Susanville through the Susan River Canyon.
Official sources
Official source trail
Reviewed July 1, 2026
California Porch explains the path. The official source is still the place to confirm the current rule, fee, form, map, deadline, or office decision.
Use the official page before you spend money, file paperwork, rely on a deadline, or change a property.
Connected places
Where it fits on the map
Open a place page for the county layer, nearby places, and other California entries tied to that local page.
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