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Susanville, California

The best trails and outdoor activities in Susanville, California, are a must-visit for anyone seeking scenic outdoor adventures. The Bizz Johnson Trail is a top choice, offering 25.4 miles of trail along the Susan River. Hikers can enjoy views of the river, high desert canyon, and unique rock formations. The trail is of moderate difficulty, suitable for most fitness levels. For a more challenging hike, try the South Side Trail, a rugged 5.3-mile loop with a steep climb and panoramic views of the valley. Eagle Lake, just outside Susanville, is another top attraction. It's the second-largest natural lake in California and a popular spot for fishing, boating, and bird watching. For a more relaxed outdoor activity, visit the Lassen Historical Museum's beautiful gardens. These are just a few of the best outdoor activities in and near Susanville.

Top Spots in and near Susanville

  • Susanville, California

    Camp at ​Cheney Creek Primitive Campsite

    3 mi
    Cheney Creek has a bulletin board and toilet but no developed campsites. There is a primitive hike in or bike in campsite at Cheney Creek along the Bizz Johnson Trail, which is beside the Susan River. The primitive self contained camping site is 1.5 miles east of the Devil's Corral Trailhead on t...
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  • Susanville, California

    Camp at Rocky Point Primitive Camping Area

    Rocky Point has a bulletin board and toilet but no developed campsites.  At Rocky Point visitors must pack in and pack out all trash and waste water. A vault toilet is on site. Campers like the opportunity to "circle the wagons" and set up where they want on a large open natural gravel flat nea...
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  • Susanville, California

    Camp at North Eagle Lake Campground

    North Eagle Lake has 20 sites in a pine and juniper forest. Vault toilets and drinking water are available. Some campsites can accommodate RV's up to 35 feet long. A campground host is available. The campground is located 30 miles north of Susanville on Highway 139 and a half-mile west on Lassen ...
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  • Lassen County, California

    Backpack the Caribou Wilderness Lakes Loop

    12 mi
    The caribou lakes loop is very laid back, making it a great start for first time backpackers and kids. Word of caution: in the summer the mosquitos are plenty, I'd recommend this loop for the fall. From the parking lot there is a visible sign pointing you in the direction of the trailhead near Ca...
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  • Plumas County, California

    Camp at Last Chance Creek Campground on Lake Almanor

    This PG&E campsite is located on the northern most inlet of Lake Almanor and is slightly more remote than the other sites around Lake Almanor. The campground offers spectacular views and easy access to great fishing. To get there, head east out of the town of Chester on Highway 36. After cros...
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  • Chester, California

    Lassen Volcanic National Park Scenic Drive

    4.0
    62.7 mi / 5387 ft gain
    Lassen Volcanic National Park Scenic Drive is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Chester, California.
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  • Old Station, California

    Hike to Cinder Cone

    5.0
    4 mi / 846 ft gain
    Cinder Cone Trail For 1.2 miles, the trail gently slopes up through a forest. The Fantastic Lava Beds form a wall to your left. The Fantastic Lava Beds were formed by several eruptions of lava from Cinder Cone. The trail is mostly cinder erupted from Cinder Cone. Walking on cinder is similar to w...
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  • Old Station, California

    Hike to Snag Lake via the Cinder Cone

    12.5 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Start from the Butte Lake trailhead, off Highway 44 at the north end of Lassen Volcanic National Park. From the parking lot walk past the little boat launch and the trailhead is obvious in front of you.  Be mentally prepared to be walking in loose sand for most of this trip (and bring ankle or kn...
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  • Pacific Crest Trail, California

    Devils Kitchen Trail

    5.0
    5.06 mi / 525 ft gain
    Your hike to Devils Kitchen will start from Warner Valley Campground. The hike starts out thorough the valley and eventually winds through the forest and ends at the top of the Devils Kitchen site. You'll then hike down the hill a bit and get to explore the area! There are pretty specific walkin...
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  • Pacific Crest Trail, California

    Camp at Warner Valley

    Warner Valley Campground is at the end of Warner Valley Road. It's 16 dollars a night at a first come first serve basis. As far as the campground it self, there are a few bathrooms and each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. There are 17 sites which isn't a ton but since it's a fairly unuse...
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  • Plumas County, California

    Boiling Springs Lake Loop

    2.38 mi / 449 ft gain
    The hike to Boiling Springs Lake starts at the Warner Valley Trailhead and is only a 3 mile roundtrip hike. It's a fairly easy hike that starts through the valley and then winds up through the forest and eventually opens up to the lake.  First thing you'll notice as you approach the lake is the ...
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  • Plumas County, California

    Drake Lake Trail

    4.6 mi / 840 ft gain
    The hike starts at the Warner Valley Trailhead and winds up the mountain until you reach the lake. The first 2 miles or so are very pleasant walk through the woods until you reach the last portion which is essentially straight up the mountain side.  This portion of the trail can be very slippery...
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  • Doyle, California

    Camp at the Fort Sage OHV Area

    The recreation area consists of approximately 29,000 acres of public land that is managed primarily for off highway vehicle use and winter deer range. Vehicle use within the recreation area is limited to designated roads and trails to ensure that the two primary uses remain compatible throughout ...
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  • Shasta County, California

    Seven Lake Loop in Lassen Volcanic NP

    11.54 mi / 1545 ft gain
    This hike is one of my favorites for when I only have a weekend to get my nature fix. To start off, visit either the Loomis Museum, Loomis Ranger Station, Butte Lake Ranger Station, Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Warner Valley Ranger Station, or Juniper Lake Ranger Station and pick up a wildern...
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  • Shasta County, California

    Kings Creek Falls Trail

    4.0
    2.49 mi / 495 ft gain
    Kings Creek Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Old Station, California.
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  • Shasta County, California

    Devastated Area Interpretive Trail

    2.0
    0.5 mi / 16 ft gain
    Devastated Area Interpretive Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Old Station, California.
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Camping and Lodging in Susanville

Eagle Campground
Gallatin Road

Eagle Campground

West Eagle Campground
Susanville, California

West Eagle Campground

Merrill Campground
Susanville, California

Merrill Campground

Christie Campground
Susanville, California

Christie Campground

Boulder Creek (Ca)
Indian Creek Road

Boulder Creek (Ca)

Lightning Tree
Plumas County, California

Lightning Tree

Guides, Insights and Stories from Susanville

The perfect 3-day road trip through Lassen Volcanic National Park & Crater Lake National Park

The perfect 3-day road trip through Lassen Volcanic National Park & Crater Lake National Park

Gwyneth and Amiana Manser

Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park in 360 Degrees

Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park in 360 Degrees

Shana Nunez