By Dean Growdon
This week, I wanted to showcase a local treasure that isn’t solely about fishing—though it certainly opens the door to some outstanding angling, of course.
The Bizz Johnson Trail traces the old Southern Pacific rail line between Mason Station, just outside Westwood, and the historic railroad depot in Susanville. It winds along the Susan River through rugged canyons, open meadows, and fragrant forests, crossing graceful bridges and disappearing into two railroad tunnels.
The trail welcomes walkers, runners, equestrians, and bicyclists, making it a true community gem for people of all ages and abilities.
You can hop onto the Bizz Johnson Trail from several locations, letting you design an outing around the distance you want to cover and the scenery you most want to experience. You can, of course, begin at Mason Station or the Historic Railroad Depot in Susanville, but there are also access points at Hobo Camp, the end of Miller Road in Susanville, Devil’s Corral, Goumaz Campground, and Westwood Junction.
You can traverse the entire 25.4-mile trail or choose a short, memorable segment that suits your plans.
The Bizz Johnson Trail is also the stage for a variety of beloved local events, including the Bizz Johnson Marathon and the Lassen Gravel Adventure Ride each fall, and the South Side Scramble every spring. These events draw participants and spectators from far beyond our county lines, shining a spotlight on Lassen County.
To learn more about these events, visit the Bizz Running Company website: https://bizzrunningcompany.com
One of the trail’s greatest gifts is how dramatically it changes with the seasons. In the spring, wildflowers and fresh green growth burst to life, painting the Susan River Canyon in vibrant color. In the heat of summer, you can watch trout quietly rising for insects in the river, listen to birds calling from the trees, spot an array of wildlife along the banks, and every now and then, catch sight of a snake sunning itself.
When autumn arrives, the trees and shrubs ignite in brilliant reds, oranges, and golds, turning every bend in the trail into a postcard-worthy view. Winter brings its own personality: in some years, the path stays open and easy to travel; in others, it’s transformed into a quiet, snow-covered corridor best explored by snowshoe or cross-country skis.
My family and I use the trail throughout the year. We cycle, run, and walk its length, and, naturally, we also use it to reach the Susan River for fly fishing. It’s an incredible resource—a safe, well-maintained path that gently carries you away from town and into the heart of our local landscape. I encourage you to get out, stretch your legs, and experience this local treasure for yourself.
You can find more information about the Bizz Johnson Trail on the following websites:
https://www.blm.gov/visit/bizz-johnson
https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-withus/partnerships/servicefirst/rt/successstories/bjnrt
