Bizz Johnson Trail

Is your pup craving some time in the great outdoors? Then it’s time for a hike on the Bizz Johnson National Recreational Trail. Located in scenic Northeastern California, this trail promises to give your pooch plenty of room to stretch their four legs.

Until just a few decades ago, the trail was a corridor for the Fernley and Lassen Railroad, an old lumber hauling operation. Today, it is a pawsome trail stretching from Susanville all the way to Westwood. Most folks opt to start at Westwood and travel west to east since this route has a 3% downgrade. The Westwood trailhead has a Visitors Center, not to mention a 25 foot carved statue of Paul Bunyan. Susanville also has a Visitors Center with interpretive exhibits. Take a few minutes to read through the information so your pup can learn about the area.

When beginning at Westwood, you’ll follow the trail along existing roads for several miles before entering the beautiful Susan River Canyon. Once in the canyon, your four legged BFF will travel through a variety of terrain and scenery that ranges from a semiarid canyon to fir and pine forests. During the fall, the trail is lit up with the bright colors of the changing deciduous trees. The trail crisscrosses over the river a dozen times on bridges and trestles. And a couple tunnels keep things interesting

Camping and fishing are allowed on the section of the trail that is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. Also, this is a multiuse trail, so you will encounter cyclists and possibly equestrians. Keep your doggo on leash at all times, and be sure to clean up after them. Whether you travel the entire distance, or just out and back for a few miles, this trail will definitely make your pooch one happy hound!