Start in Old Station, California at the Lassen National Forest Visitors Station. Pick up maps and guidebooks of the forest.
Drive southeast along Highway 44 through the national forest. Use binoculars to search for more than 360 animal species living in the forest.
Stop near Susanville to hike or bicycle the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail. Enter from one of the various entrance points along the 25-mile trail that follows an old railway. Take pictures of the wildlife and tranquil forest setting.
Get back on the scenic byway on Highway 36 and head southwest for Lake Almanor. Turn onto Highway 147 at Chester where the byway loops around the lake. Pull over and cast a line to enjoy some fishing; nearly 30 species of fish exist in the national forest.
Turn onto Highway 89 and travel northeast. Enter the Lassen Volcanic National Park. Spend some time exploring its 106,000 acres of volcanic terrain. Camp under the stars at one of the campsites available or stay the night at the Drakesbad Guest Ranch. Call (530) 529-1512 for campgrounds information or (530) 529-1512 for information on staying at the guest ranch.
Tour the Subway Cave, a 1300-foot long lava tube cave near Old Station. Sturdy hiking boots and a warm jacket will prepare you for the rough terrain and temperature only in the 40s. Bring a flashlight for better visibility in the dim light.
Drive past the Thousand Lakes Wilderness Area and view the highest point in the national forest, 8,677-ft. Crater Peak. Your drive on Lassen Scenic Byway ends where it began on Highway 44 in Old Station.
