Susanville: Trails, Parks, and History

Susanville offers a variety of themes to consider when planning a trip: outdoor trails, parks, historic sites, and events. If you’re looking for a hotel in Susanville, you can first consider whether hiking and cycling, regional history, or a particular event date should shape your stay.

Trails and Parks: Hiking, Cycling, and Horseback Riding

The Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail begins in Susanville, with the historic Susanville Railroad Depot serving as its starting point. The trail follows the route of the former Southern Pacific Railroad. Its railroad past is as much a part of its character as today’s opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. All three activities are available on this trail, offering different ways to include it in your trip.

Susanville Ranch Park offers a different focus: This shared-use recreation area spans 1,100 acres and has more than 30 miles of trails for cycling, walking, and horseback riding. Compared with the Bizz Johnson Trail, the designated area and the length of the trail network stand out here. This can help you plan based on whether you’d like to explore a historic railroad route or a large shared-use recreation area.

Memorial Park also brings together a variety of offerings. A pedestrian bridge connects the park to Roop’s Fort across Paiute Creek. Memorial Park has a bicycle pump track with banked turns and rolling climbs. To reach Inspiration Point, take Inspiration Point Road and then a short trail; access conditions may vary seasonally. Check them before your visit if this spot is a fixed part of your plans.

Local History

The Lassen Historical Museum houses artifacts spanning 160 years of the history of Honey Lake Valley and Lassen County. Roop’s Fort is a historic site. It was built in 1854 as a trading post and ranch along the emigrant trail.

Another historic connection is the Noble Emigrant Trail. It passed through a city park in Susanville that served as a rest stop for emigrants.

Events and Seasonal Offerings

The Susanville Indian Rancheria Pow Wow takes place every year and includes dancing, drumming, food, and family-friendly activities. The event is open to everyone; dates may vary.

The Rails to Trails Festival takes place at the historic Susanville Railroad Depot and features handcar races, local vendors, craft beer, and family-friendly activities. However, it is not necessarily held every year; event dates may vary. If the festival is important to your stay, confirm the specific date in advance.

Diamond Mountain Golf Course is an 18-hole course at the foot of Diamond Mountain. Its operation is seasonal and may change. If golf is part of your plans, check whether it will be open during your planned travel dates.

Landscape and Getting Around

Susanville is located on a high desert plateau, five miles from U.S. Highway 395. Susanville Municipal Airport has facilities for general aviation and supports private, recreational, and business flights. These details offer a brief overview of the landscape, highway access, and the airport’s stated uses, without equating the different ways of getting here.

Discover more destinations: Doyle, Westwood.

View the broader travel overview: Lassen.