Off Hwy 36 Near Susanville,

Management Unit: Eagle Lake Ranger District

Lassen National Forest

55 South Sacramento Street

Susanville, CA 96130

(530) 257-2157

Amenities:

• Mens / Womens Restrooms
• Ampitheater
• Boat Launch
• Site Fee
• Campfires Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Fishing
• Lookout Tower
• Picnic Area
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing Area

Description:

Welcome to Eagle Lake Ranger District. This area of Lassen National Forest has many opportunities for discover. The most well known area, Eagle Lake, is the second largest natural lake in California. Fishing, boating, water-skiing, sailing are just a few of the activities available on this picturesque lake.

Eagle Lake was once part of Ancient Lake Acapsukate until a volcanic flow altered the landscape by blocking off an old outlet to Lake Lahontan. Known as a closed basin, one without a drainage channel, It has caused the water to be highly alkaline. Eagle Lake trout (subspecie of rainbow trout) are found only in Eagle Lake. This native trout have adapted to survive and thrive in these highly alkaline waters, where other species have failed.

Facilities and services at Eagle Lake include: 5 Campgrounds with 325 Campsites; Picnic areas and shallow water swimming beach; 2 Group Campgrounds; RV Dump Station; Marina; 2 Boat Launches; Mooring; Grocery & Gas; Boat Rentals; Jet Ski Rentals; Fishing Supplies; Licenses; Bike Rentals and Laundry & Showers.

Antelope Lookout (7,681 ft. elevation) - This 15-mile drive from County Road A-1 and Eagle Lake, is a steep, narrow and windy tour. This lookout, dedicated in 1978, is unique in that it was the first solar powered lookout in the United States. The spectacular view includes Lassen Peak, Mt. Shasta, Eagle Lake, and western Nevada.

Pine Creek Fish Trap - Pine Creek drains into Eagle Lake and has been used as a fish trap for many years. It's located just outside Spalding Tract on Pine Creek, one mile upstream from Eagle Lake. Each year the California Fish and Game traps Eagle Lake trout here for egg taking purposes. The eggs are developed at Crystal Lake Fish Hatchery for replanting in Eagle Lake and elsewhere in Northern California.

Eagle Lake Amphitheater - located adjacent to Merrill Campground. Check the Summer Events calendar to find out what might interest you. How about a junior ranger hike or evening campfire program? Many educational opportunities for the young and old alike are available at Eagle Lake.

Osprey Overlook - A close up view of an Osprey nest and a chance to watch an Osprey in flight. Telescopes were recently installed, a view you do not want to miss! A great photo opportunity of Eagle Lake. Educational displays about ospreys and bald eagles enhance your visit.

Dow Butte Historic Lookout - Located in the Eagle Lake Marina area is this historical relic. Enjoy the actual life of a lookout & discover how forest fires are detected.

Eagle Lake Trail - Discover the paved 5 mile all access trail along Eagle Lake. Try out those new rollarblades, or walking shoes. Get out and get energized! You'll view nature at its best. Discover the dancing Western Grebe, White Pelican soaring across the lake or Bald Eagles dipping in the lake for a tasty trout snack.

Spalding Cabin - Located near Spalding Tract, Eagle Lake and recently restored, is a fine example of the early life of homesteader John Spalding in the 1890's.

Gallatin House - built on the shores of Eagle Lake at the turn of the century. It was the first private residence built at Eagle Lake. It is now home to Camp Ronald McDonald for disabled or disadvantaged children.

Gallatin Beach is a popular site on the south end of Eagle Lake, near the marina and boat launch area. A special area is marked off for swimmers.

How to Get There:

I-5 to Red Bluff or Redding Then Hwy 36 or 44 to Road A1 near Susanville.

Fee(s) Charged:Yes

Fee for Camping

Highway 395, Susanville

Management Unit: Eagle Lake Area Office

2950 Riverside Drive

Susanville, CA 96130

(530) 257-0456

Amenities:

• Fishing
• No ATV's
• No Motorcycles
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Horse Trails
• Interpretive Trails

Description:

The Bizz Johnson Trail is a "Rails to Trails" Conversion of the the old Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, the trail winds 25.4 miles from Susanville to Mason Station. For the first 16 miles, the trail follows the Susan River. As it winds through the rugged Susan River Canyon, the trail crosses the river 12 times on bridges and trestles and passes through two tunnels. The landscape is a combination of semi-arid canyon and upland forests of pine and fir.

The trail then follows existing roads an additional 4.5 miles into Westwood, where a railroad station type kiosk and a 25-foot carved redwood statue of Paul Bunyan mark the Westwood trailhead.

The trail has four distinct seasons because of the high elevation location. The trail begins at 4200' on the east side of the Sierra and Cascade Ranges in Susanville, climbs 1300' to a high point of 5500' at Westwood Junction then drops 400' to its terminus in Westwood at elevation 5100'.

Hiking:

If you plan to hike the trail, you will find the 18-mile segment along the Susan River from Westwood Junction to Susanville most scenic because of the variety afforded by the adjacent river and canyon and views of the surrounding mountains. It is an easy hike with maximum 3 percent grade. A variety of day hikes are possible from the many trailheads. By arranging your own shuttle between trailheads, hikers can enjoy more of the trail without backtracking. Backpacking can also be enjoyed along the trail. Trail courtesy: Walkers and bicyclists yield to horseback riders. When overtaking another trail user, let them let them know you are approaching so you do not startle them or their horses.

Bicycling:

Bicycling on the Bizz Johnson Trail is best enjoyed on wide-tired bicycles. Multi-geared mountain bicycles are excellent for trail use, but single-speed wide-tired bicycles are also suitable. The trail surface consists of a relatively level railroad grade (3 percent maximum) composed of aggregate material. The trail gradually climbs 500 feet in the first 12 miles from Westwood to Westwood Junction, then drops 1,300 feet in the 18 miles between Westwood Junction and Susanville. Wide-tired bicycles can easily travel the entire trail.

Equestrian:

Eleven bridges are passable on horseback, as are two tunnels, one 800 feet long, the other 450 feet. If you wish to avoid the tunnels, riverside trails provide alternate routes.

Cross-country skiing:

The best areas for cross-country skiing are on the trail's upper 18.5-mile segment, west of Highway 36 and the Devils Corral area. Elevations from 4,760 feet to 5,500 feet, northern exposures and shading combine to provide the most reliable snow conditions. A recommended trail segment for cross-country combines snowed-in road skiing from Highway 44 to Goumaz (three miles) with trail skiing from Goumaz to Highway 36. This nine-mile segment affords a gentle downhill slope with good views of the Susan River and Diamond Mountain. To avoid backtracking, arranging you own shuttle is recommended. The lower seven miles of trail from Highway 36 east to Susanville can be skied following major snowfall, but snow conditions deteriorate rapidly on this section due to lower elevations and open southern exposures. Also, two tunnels (one 800 feet, the other 450 feet) require walking. The best public access areas are at: Mason Station near Westwood; Highway 44 near Hog Flat Reservoir; Highway 36 near Devils Corral and Susanville Trailhead.

Before beginning a cross-country skiing expedition, check local weather conditions and use caution.

Camping:

Primitive camping is allowed along the trail on BLM and U.S. Forest Service Land. There is a seven-day camping limit between trailheads unless otherwise posted. The U.S. Forest Service has an undeveloped drive-in campground area at Goumaz.

No camping is allowed at or within one mile of Hobo Camp or Devils Corral, unless authorized. Camping is prohibited along the South Side Road within the Susan River Canyon west of Hobo Camp.

Campfires require permits from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service or the California Department of Forestry. Between Susanville and Devil's Corral, build fires in designated fire-safe areas only. Seasonal fire restrictions may apply along the entire trail - campfires may be prohibited at times of peak fire danger.

Fishing:

Fishing in the Susan River is best in spring to early summer. The river provides habitat for rainbow and brown trout, speckled dace, Lahontan redside, and Tahoe sucker. Twice monthly in May, June and July, the California Department of Fish and Game plants rainbow trout in the lower Susan River between Susanville and Devils Corral. Stocking of fish generally ends in July when river temperature peaks reach 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit, usually in July.

How to Get There:

Highway 395 to Susanville. Trailhead is located at the Old Railroad Depot.

Tips:

Water sources found along the trail are not safe for drinking. Cattle and stock use the river upstream, and springs in the area have not been tested. Drinking water should be packed in or treated.

Other Important Information:

SHUTTLES FOR BIKERS AND HIKERS A bus that will carry bikes runs between Susanville and Westwood Monday through Friday. For current schedule and bus stops, call Lassen Rural Bus at (530) 257-5697. On weekends or at times not served by the bus, you may be able to arrange for a van shuttle. Call Mt. Lassen Cab and Shuttle Service at (530) 257-5277.