Lassen National Forest

Chances are good that you'll spy a still mounted cyclist fishing from a bridge in Lassen National Forest. There are creeks and lakes all over the place in this forest, and many trails and roads either cross or travel alongside them.

The Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail is at the top of the list. Following just under 26 miles of old railroad logging grade, this trail offers beautiful views of the rugged Susan River canyon and surrounding mountains. A wide path and easy grade makes this trail ideal for beginning mountain bikers.

The Almanor Ranger District is the recreational heart of the forest for bikers, as well as anglers and boaters. Lake Almanor is the centerpiece of the district, and the Lake Almanor Trail is a wonderful way to experience some of what the lake has to offer, including wildlife watching and fishing, as well as forward mobility.

The district also offers a fine range of trail rides. The Rice Creek road system is a fine choice for beginners. You'll need a forest map to find it—scan the area just south of Lassen Volcanic National Park and north of Highway 36 midway between the towns of Chester and Mineral. Better yet, ask a ranger for directions.

Intermediate riders might want to take a crack at the Turner Mountain Loop. Take off from Morgan Summit, which is east of the town of Mineral on Highway 36. Trail length is about 30 miles.

And for the really advanced riders, it doesn't get much better than the Forest Road 10 and then Trail Lake Trail up to the edge of the Caribou Wilderness, which, like all designated wildernesses, is off-limits to bikes. So you'll have to turn back; but no matter, it'll be another chance to stare across Echo Lake, a deep mystical expanse of blue along the way (and back).