Lassen National Forest - California

Tel: (530) 335-7517

Go fishing, swimming and boating on the second largest natural lake in California. Explore sharply etched foothills, vertical old volcanic cores and heart-stopping mountain scenery at Lassen National Forest.

Lassen National Forest is where the granite of the Sierra Nevada, the lava of the Cascades and the Modoc Plateau, and the sagebrush of the Great Basin meet up, although the forest favors the volcanic southern Cascades in appearance. Visitors to Lassen National Park will enjoy the five-mile long South Shore Trail, ideal for bicycling or a pleasant stroll, and fishing enthusiasts will be thrilled by the trophy trout averaging three to five pounds that swim in the lake waters. Take advantage of the Lassen Scenic Byway, a 187-mile trip that circles through the volcanic high country and see historic sites, volcanic and geothermal features and some of the most beautiful views in Northern California.

Lovers of wildlife should keep their eyes open for black-tailed deer, black bear, pika, pine marten, northern goshawk, spotted owl, pileated woodpecker and Clark's Nutcracker while the more adventurous can explore a lava tube or drive a four-wheel drive vehicle into the high backcountry, dotted with sapphire lakes. Wintertime adventures at the Lassen National Forest include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and plain old-fashioned fun in the snow. The Lassen National Forest lies in northeast California, at the south end of the Cascade Range and the north end of the Sierra Nevada. It is located roughly between the towns of Chico and Susanville.