Westwood: Logging History and Nature

Westwood brings together a distinctive logging history and nature and outdoor themes. When planning your trip, you can consider these highlights separately: in town, the focus is on a historic town and the legend of Paul Bunyan; at Robber’s Creek, it’s birdwatching and a connection to Mountain Meadows Reservoir. This can help you decide whether you’re more interested in local history, nature, or outdoor activities during your stay.

Westwood’s Logging History

Westwood was once the largest logging town in the West. The legend of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox is associated with the town. When the Red River Lumber Company moved west from Minnesota, it brought the legend with it. This connection between company history and storytelling tradition offers a distinctive perspective on Westwood’s past. A 24-foot statue of the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan honors the town’s logging tradition.

The Westwood Museum also focuses on local history, portraying the historic town of Westwood. Westwood’s development as a logging town also included steam-heated sidewalks. This detail adds a technological dimension to the picture of the town’s history. Together, the legend, statue, and museum offer different perspectives: the statue recalls the logging tradition, while the museum makes Westwood itself the subject.

Visitor Information and Local Highlights

The Westwood Depot Visitor Center serves as the Lassen County Visitor Information Center. It is also a byway portal for the “Westwood and Susanville Region.” This brings local visitor information together with a byway connection explicitly identified as regional.

Another specific place to visit is the Friday Night Farmers Market. It takes place on the lawn in front of the Westwood Community Center. If you’d like to include the market in your trip, check the event dates for your travel dates.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Robber’s Creek is connected to Mountain Meadows Reservoir and is known for willow flycatcher and other waterfowl watching. The willow flycatcher gives birdwatching a specific focus, while other waterfowl are also part of this nature theme. Together with its connection to the reservoir, this offers a distinct focus alongside local history.

Westwood has trails for hiking, as well as routes for cycling and horseback riding. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also available as seasonal outdoor activities. These options offer different focuses: hiking, cycling, and horseback riding are trail activities, while cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are seasonal pursuits. The lakes and rivers in and around Westwood offer opportunities for freshwater fishing. If you’re looking for a hotel in Westwood, these options can help you narrow down the focus of your stay—for example, logging history, birdwatching, trail activities, or fishing.

Discover more destinations: Susanville, Doyle.

See the broader travel overview: Lassen.