Wilderness Areas
T
here are several places to go in the Lassen National Forest to enjoy a good hike and see wildlife and nature at its best. For information regarding these pursuits, call the Lassen National Forest headquarters in Susanville at (530) 257-2151, or any one of the forest’s three ranger districts: Eagle Lake District, (530) 257-4188; Almanor Ranger District, (530) 258-2141; and Hat Creek Ranger District, (530) 336-5521. Here are a few places to look for: Pacific Crest Trail This National Scenic Trail, winding through about 120 miles of the forest, runs the gamut from the granite and high mountain lakes of the northern Sierra Nevada to the lava and broken landscape of the southern Cascade Mountains. Parts of this trail are blocked by snow until late in the season, so check with the Forest Service offices listed above for updated conditions. Photos by Chris Bielecki
32
Hole-in-the-Ground to Black Rock An easy 18 miles, this trail winds its way along Mill Creek from Hole-In-The-Ground campground to Black Rock. The campground is on Mill Creek Campground Road in the Morgan Springs area west of Chester, yet east of Mineral. No problems with snow here, and the fall colors brighten the trail. You might even find a few blackberries along the way. Bizz Johnson Trail This trail runs from Susanville to Westwood along an old railroad line that ran alongside the Susan River. The 26-mile trail offers majestic views of the river canyon and the east slope of the Sierra. It is an ideal, multi-use trail. Wilderness areas Wilderness areas are special places where natural forces operate freely. National Forest wilderness areas offer visitors excellent hiking, backpacking and horseback riding in a primitive, completely undeveloped setting. The Forest Service manages these areas to protect their pristine natural values. Motorized vehicles, as well as mountain bikes, are not allowed and management activities, such as trail maintenance, are done by hand. You can help protect the wild character of wilderness by using minimum impact camping techniques. Pack out all trash. If you are riding a horse or using pack animals, pack in their forage and picket them at least 100 feet from lakes, trails, campsites and meadows. Overnight campsites should also be at least 100 feet from all lakes and trails. Leave only your footprints and take only pictures. These two wilderness areas make up about 10 percent of the Lassen National Forest. ➢
Lassen County Visitors Guide 2014-15