Exploring the Great Outdoors in Lassen County
I’m excited to be writing a new column for SusanvilleStuff that will highlight the incredible outdoor opportunities we have here in Lassen County and the surrounding region.
I grew up in Westwood and spent countless days outside – skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, camping and exploring the forests and lakes of northeastern California.
My passion for the outdoors was shaped not only by my own experiences, but also by the few outdoor television shows available in the 1970s and 1980s, such as “Wild Kingdom” and “Wild America,” and by the adventure stories of writers like Jack London and Jack O’Connor.
As an adult, I tried to continue those outdoor adventures with my family whenever my public safety career allowed. I’ve kept up many of the activities I enjoyed in my youth and added new ones, including mountain biking, snowshoeing and backcountry hiking. I’ve also spent more time on one of my favorite pursuits: fly fishing.
Fly fishing opportunities abound in our area, and for me, it’s one of the best ways to connect with nature in seclusion. We are so fortunate to have vast public lands, countless lakes and reservoirs, and many miles of streams and rivers at our fingertips.
So, when someone says, “There is nothing to do here,” I simply tell them to get outside.
Since retiring, I’ve committed myself to exploring more of northeastern California and the western United States, and every year I’m reminded how special Lassen County truly is. My goal with this column is to showcase the outdoor activities available to all of us and, hopefully, help more families get outside to enjoy them together.
I remember being inspired by the “Outdoors Report by Bill Bayless,” which aired weekly on our local radio station, 93 JDX. In that same spirit, I hope these articles will inspire you to get out, explore, and make your own memories in the great outdoors of Lassen County.
