In Lassen, volcanic landscapes, highland waters, and traces of railroad history come together. Eagle Lake sits at an elevation of 5,100 feet and is the second-largest natural freshwater lake located entirely in California.
Highland Lake and Bird Colonies
The immediate watershed of Eagle Lake lies on a high-elevation, semiarid plateau shaped by basaltic lava flows, volcanoes, and cinder cones. The shores are home to one of the last breeding colonies of osprey, as well as the largest breeding colony of eared grebes and western grebes in the western United States. The Eagle Lake trout is native only to Eagle Lake.
Eagle Lake is suited to water sports, fishing, and swimming; conditions may vary seasonally. At this lake, distinctive birdlife meets a range of water-based activities.
Volcanoes, Hiking Trails, and Scenic Routes
In Lassen Volcanic National Park, the landscape includes steaming fumaroles, wildflower-covered meadows, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes. The park has more than 150 miles of hiking trails. A three-mile loop leads to Bumpass Hell, the park’s largest hydrothermal area. Access may vary seasonally; check current visitor information if you plan to hike this trail.
Lassen County also has more than 60 miles of developed trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. The county brings together the Sierra Nevada, the Cascade Range, the Modoc Plateau, and the Great Basin Desert. This provides a broad geographic setting for the region’s diverse landscapes.
For a drive through larger landscapes, take the Lassen Scenic Byway: the 185-mile loop passes through Lassen National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Along the route, there are opportunities for hiking, photography, fishing, and camping. These options range from trails in the national park to activities along a longer scenic route.
Railroad History on the Bizz Johnson Trail
The Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail is in Lassen County along the Susan River. Stretching 25.4 miles from Susanville to Mason Station, it follows the former Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad. The Historic Susanville Railroad Depot and its grounds mark the starting point of the trail. Activities along the route include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, cross-country skiing, wildlife and bird watching, and walking dogs.
For more historical insights, visit the Lassen Historical Museum, which houses artifacts from 160 years of Honey Lake Valley history, and Roop’s Fort. Built in 1854 as a trading post and ranch on the Emigrant Trail, it is also known as Fort Defiance because of its special role in the Sagebrush War of 1863.
Festivals and Practical Information
The Lassen County Fair takes place annually in the third week of July; the week of festivities includes a parade on Saturday. The annual Rails to Trails Festival takes place in October at 601 Richmond Road in Susanville. If you’d like to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the specific event dates in advance.
The Devil’s Corral Trailhead is seven miles west of Susanville and can be reached via California Highway 36. From there, you can access swimming and fishing on the Susan River. Road conditions may vary. The Fort Sage OHV Area can also be reached via Lassen County Road Fort Sage; road conditions there may change as well.
Discover more destinations: Susanville, Westwood, Doyle, Orange, Mendocino, Glenn County, Santa Clara, Calaveras County
For the main travel overview: California.
