Susanville, CA
- About Susanville
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sport and Outdoor Recreation
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Institutions
Susanville is a historic high-desert city in northeastern California, serving as the county seat of Lassen County and a gateway to outdoor adventures near Eagle Lake and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
About Susanville
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The city's full official name is Susanville. It serves as the county seat of Lassen County, California . The city is located in the northeastern part of the state, a region known for its vast forests, volcanic landscapes, and high desert terrain. Lassen County is home to Lassen Volcanic National Park and is a prime destination for outdoor recreation .
Historical Names and Nicknames
Susanville is famously nicknamed "The Hub of Northeastern California" due to its historical role as a central point for travel and commerce in the region . Originally, the settlement was known as Rooptown, named after its founder, Isaac Roop. He renamed it Susanville in 1857 in honor of his daughter, Susan .
Date of Foundation and Age
Isaac Roop first arrived in the Honey Lake Valley and built his cabin in 1853, marking the beginning of the settlement . The city was officially incorporated on August 24, 1900, making it 124 years old as of 2024 .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Susanville is located in the southern part of Lassen County at the head of Honey Lake Valley, approximately 40 miles (64 km) east of Lassen Peak . Its geographic coordinates are 40°24′59″N 120°39′11″W . The city sits at an elevation of 4,186 feet (1,276 m) above sea level and is situated on the Susan River .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Historically a center for logging, mining, and agriculture, Susanville's economy has shifted significantly . Today, it is primarily an administrative center (as the county seat) and a regional service hub. A major part of its economy is now based on correctional facilities, including the California Correctional Center, High Desert State Prison, and the nearby Federal Correctional Institution in Herlong . In recent years, it has also developed as a base for tourism and outdoor recreation, capitalizing on its proximity to public lands and trails .
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Susanville was 16,728, a decrease from 17,947 in 2010 . The city is classified as a small city. The greater Susanville area, encompassing the 96130 ZIP code, has a population of 21,460 . The demographic makeup is predominantly White (around 65%), with significant Hispanic (21.35%) and Black (9.41%) communities .
City's "Business Card" (In Short)
Susanville is a historic high-desert town that serves as the gateway to outdoor recreation in northeastern California. Known as the "Hub of Northeastern California," it offers immediate access to the scenic Bizz Johnson Trail, the unique waters of Eagle Lake, and the volcanic wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park, all while retaining its small-town charm and pioneer history .
Geography
Mountains and Ranges
Susanville is nestled at the edge of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, with several notable peaks in the vicinity .
- Diamond Mountain: Located just west of Susanville, this peak provides a scenic backdrop for the city and is home to the Diamond Mountain Golf Course .
- Lassen Peak: Approximately 40 miles west of Susanville, this 10,457-foot (3,187 m) active volcano is the centerpiece of Lassen Volcanic National Park. It is famous for its geothermal activity and as the southernmost volcano in the Cascade Range .
- Bald Mountain: Situated about 15 miles from Susanville, this area offers a trail system for hiking, biking, and horseback riding with views of the Honey Lake Valley .
Water Bodies
The area surrounding Susanville is rich with rivers and lakes, making it a prime spot for fishing and boating.
- Susan River: This river flows through the heart of Susanville. Its canyon is followed by the popular Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail .
- Eagle Lake: Located just 15-16 miles north of Susanville, it is California's second-largest natural lake . It is famous for its unique strain of Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout, found only in its alkaline waters .
- Honey Lake: A seasonal lakebed located southeast of Susanville, into which the Susan River flows .
- Lake Almanor: A large reservoir about 34 miles southwest of Susanville, perfect for boating, swimming, and camping .
- Antelope Lake: A smaller, scenic lake in the Plumas National Forest, about 37 miles southeast of the city .
National and Natural Parks
The area is a gateway to some of California's most unique protected landscapes.
- Lassen Volcanic National Park: About an hour's drive from Susanville, this park is home to all four types of volcanoes found in the world (shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome). Visitors can explore hydrothermal areas, including boiling mud pots and fumaroles .
- Lassen National Forest: Surrounding the city, this vast forest offers camping, hiking, ATV trails, and winter sports opportunities .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Susanville has a varied climate, classified as either warm-summer Mediterranean (Köppen Csb) or cold semi-arid (Köppen Bsk) , depending on the source . It is characterized by cool, occasionally snowy winters and hot, mostly dry summers with cool nights .
Average Monthly Temperatures
The city enjoys an average of 245 sunny days per year, with temperatures ranging from an average low of 25°F in winter to an average high of 87°F in summer .
- Hottest Month: July, with average daily highs around 87-88°F (31°C) and lows near 53°F (12°C) . The record high is 106°F (41°C) .
- Coldest Month: December/January, with average daily highs around 40-42°F (5-6°C) and lows dropping to 20-22°F (-5 to -6°C) . The record low is -23°F (-31°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Precipitation: Approximately 13-17 inches (330-430 mm), with the majority falling as snow in the winter months .
- Snowfall: Snow is common in winter, with the snowiest year on record being 1937, when 114 inches (289.6 cm) fell . Frost can occur in any month of the year .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June-August): Warm and dry with abundant sunshine. Highs are typically in the 80s°F, but nights are cool. This is the best time for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the national park .
- Fall (September-November): Mild days and cool nights with decreasing crowds. The autumn colors along the Susan River can be beautiful.
- Winter (December-February): Cold with light to moderate snowfall. This season is ideal for winter sports in the nearby Lassen National Forest and enjoying small-town holiday events .
- Spring (March-May): Gradually warming weather with melting snow. The area greens up, making it a good time for wildlife viewing and hitting the trails before the summer heat .
Landmarks and Attractions
Roop's Fort and the Lassen Historical Museum
This is the most significant historical site in Susanville.
- Roop's Fort: A reconstructed log cabin that was originally built by Isaac Roop in 1853. It served as a trading post, a home, and a fort ("Fort Defiance") during the 1863 Sagebrush War, a brief jurisdictional conflict over whether the area belonged to California or Nevada .
- Lassen Historical Museum: Located adjacent to the fort, the museum houses artifacts, memorabilia, and rare photos from Lassen County's pioneer and Native American history .
Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
A premier outdoor landmark, this trail is a converted rail line that starts at the historic Susanville railroad depot .
- The trail winds 25 miles through the scenic Susan River canyon, crossing 12 bridges and trestles and passing through two tunnels . It is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders and hosts the annual Bizz Johnson Marathon .
Susanville Railroad Depot
The historic depot at the southern end of town is the trailhead for the Bizz Johnson Trail. It's a focal point for community events like the annual Rails to Trails Festival, which features handcar races .
Lassen County Fairgrounds
The site of the annual Lassen County Fair, celebrating the region's agricultural heritage with rides, livestock shows, and entertainment. It's a central gathering place for community events .
Susanville Ranch Park
An 1,100-acre park on the edge of town with over 75 miles of multi-use trails for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. It offers both easy strolls along creeks and more challenging climbs with scenic viewpoints .
Memorial Park
The town's central park, featuring sports fields, a skatepark, an amphitheater, and picnic areas. It is also the location of Roop's Fort and the emigrant meadow on the Noble Emigrant Trail .
Diamond Mountain Golf Course
An 18-hole public golf course set at the base of Diamond Mountain, known for its tight fairways and scenic views .
Transport
Nearest Major Airport
Susanville does not have commercial airline service.
- The nearest major airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) , located approximately 85 miles (90 minutes) southeast in Reno, Nevada. It is a full-service airport with numerous domestic flights .
Local Airport
- Susanville Municipal Airport (SVE) : This airport serves general aviation. It has two runways, helipads, and offers fuel services for private pilots .
Major Highways
Susanville is a regional transportation hub, located at the junction of several key highways .
- U.S. Route 395: A major north-south highway that runs through Susanville, connecting it to Reno to the south and other parts of eastern Oregon and Washington to the north .
- California State Route 36: An east-west highway that connects Susanville to Red Bluff and the Sacramento Valley to the west .
- California State Route 139: Heads north from Susanville towards Oregon, passing near Eagle Lake .
Public and Intercity Transport
- Public Transit: Lassen Rural Bus (LRB) provides public transportation services within Susanville and to nearby communities.
- Intercity Bus: Intercity bus service is available via carriers like Greyhound, which connect Susanville to larger cities such as Reno.
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Susanville's dining scene is a reflection of its small-town character and location in northeastern California, offering a mix of classic American comfort food, craft brews, and regional influences.
Craft Beer and Wood-Fired Pizza at Lassen Ale Works
A cornerstone of Susanville's modern culinary identity is Lassen Ale Works, a lively gathering spot brewing its own beer in-house. Their taps feature eight regular brews with evocative local names, including the crisp Bizz Johnson blonde, malty Almanor Amber, and smoky Pioneer Porter, alongside rotating seasonal varieties . The beers are perfectly complemented by food from the kitchen's wood-fired oven, particularly their roasted mushroom or pesto pizzas . This combination of house-made craft beer and artisanal pizza makes it a central part of the local food experience .
Local Flavors: Mexican and American Classics
The town's restaurant scene provides variety for visitors and locals alike. For Mexican food, the Courthouse Café is noted for its birria tacos and carnitas burritos . Another spot for Mexican fare is El Tepeyac Grille, known for breakfast burritos and lunch options . Those seeking different international flavors can visit the Whitehouse Restaurant, which offers Thai dishes like perfectly spiced pad see ew and avocado curry .
American comfort food and hearty breakfasts are also well-represented. Lumberjacks Restaurant is a go-to for a classic, big breakfast with famous pancakes and omelettes . The Red Rooster Grill & Pub provides a cozy atmosphere for homestyle dinner and a friendly local experience .
A Historical Glimpse: The Monticola Club Cook Book
Susanville's domestic culinary history was preserved in a community cookbook produced in 1914 by the ladies of the Monticola Club, a local women's club founded in 1912 . The cookbook, compiled just two years after the club's founding, contains a collection of recipes attributed to its members, with sections ranging from Oysters and Fish to Pickles and Desserts. This artifact offers a rare window into the home cooking and domestic life of early 20th-century Susanville .
Museums
Lassen Historical Museum and Roop's Fort
The primary destination for understanding Susanville's past is the Lassen Historical Museum. Housed in a complex that includes the adjacent log cabin, Roop's Fort, the museum preserves nostalgic memorabilia and rare photographs from Lassen County's pioneer days . Roop's Fort, built by Susanville's founder Isaac Roop, originally served as a trading post for travelers on the Noble Emigrant Trail. The site was also the focal point of the little-known Sagebrush War of 1863, a boundary dispute that led to the creation of Lassen County, with Susanville becoming the county seat . The location, overlooking Paiute Creek and Memorial Park, is historically significant as a campsite for thousands of emigrants in the 1850s .
Sport and Outdoor Recreation
Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
Susanville is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with its signature attraction being the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail. This 25-mile trail winds through the rugged Susan River canyon, following the route of the old Southern Pacific Railroad line . The trail's smooth gravel surface and mellow grade make it accessible for hiking, running, and biking. A journey on the trail includes crossing 12 bridges and trestles and passing through two tunnels, starting from the historic Susanville railroad depot .
Susanville Ranch Park
For a more varied trail network, Susanville Ranch Park offers 75 miles of trails across 1,100 acres of sun-kissed foothills . This includes 29 miles of single-track built specifically for mountain bikers. The park's south side, nourished by Paiute and Bagwell creeks, features grassy meadows and cottonwood groves, ideal for easy walks for families and dog owners. The northern stretch provides more aerobic climbs and scenic viewpoints for ambitious hikers, with opportunities to watch the sunrise over the Great Basin .
Eagle Lake and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Just 16 miles north of Susanville lies Eagle Lake, California's second-largest natural lake . It is home to a unique species of rainbow trout found only in its alkaline waters. The lake offers a family-friendly paved bike trail, campgrounds, and a marina, and is a dependable spot for birders to see bald eagles and osprey .
For more dramatic landscapes, an hour's drive leads to the eastern edge of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Here, visitors can explore the hulking Cinder Cone and the Painted Dunes, remarkable volcanic relics . Outdoor activities like hiking in the park are a key part of the regional experience, with Susanville serving as a gateway community . The town's location offers residents and visitors access to a wide range of activities, including hunting, fishing, cycling, and boating on lakes like Lake Almanor .
Universities and Educational Institutions
The search results do not list any universities or four-year colleges located directly in Susanville. For higher education opportunities, residents typically look to nearby larger cities. The community of Susanville itself serves a population of around 16,000 people .
Healthcare Institutions
Banner Lassen Medical Center
The primary healthcare provider in Susanville is Banner Lassen Medical Center. This facility has deep roots in the community, originally opening as Lassen County Hospital in 1883 . After changes in management and a merger, it became part of Banner Health, and a new facility north of town opened in May 2003 . Today, it is a 25-bed, critical access hospital offering a wide range of services, including emergency care, medical/surgical inpatient services, an infusion center, cardiopulmonary/respiratory services, outpatient surgery, sleep studies, comprehensive medical imaging, and women's health and community wellness programs . The Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day . Patient reviews note that while it is a small-town hospital with limited resources, it provides essential care and is staffed by great people .
Banner Health Clinic
In addition to the hospital, Banner Health Clinic provides outpatient care at 1680 Paul Bunyan Rd . This clinic specializes in family medicine, general surgery, and orthopedics. The general surgeons at this clinic perform advanced laparoscopic surgery, hernia repairs, and colonoscopies, while the orthopedic surgeons treat sports injuries, fractures, and perform joint replacements for shoulders, hips, and knees .
Community Health Centers
For those seeking community-based care, Northeastern Rural Health Clinics operates a location in Susanville at 1850 Spring Ridge Dr . This clinic provides services on a sliding fee scale and accepts various insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare. They offer testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, as well as vaccines for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and HPV .
Another option is the Lassen Indian Health Center at 795 Joaquin St, which provides comprehensive medical and dental services with a focus on family-centered care for all community members, including infants, children, teens, adults, and elders . They accept most insurance types, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, and private PPO plans . Patient reviews highlight specific providers, such as Dr. Valceschini and Raven Trau, for being exceptional listeners, though other reviews note variability in the customer service and medical care experience .