Happy TravellerWelcome to Susanville, a charming town located in Lassen County, California. Formerly known as Rooptown, Susanville is situated on the Susan River in the southern part of the county, at an elevation of 4,186 feet (1,276 m). With a population of 16,728 as of the 2020 census, Susanville is a small town with a rich history and unique attractions.
Susanville was originally named after Isaac Roop, a pioneer of the Honey Lake District, who later renamed the town in honor of his daughter in 1857. The town was incorporated in 1900 and was once the center of farming, mining, and the lumber industry. However, the town suffered from the loss of jobs as these industries changed or declined in the 20th century. Since then, the only area of growth in the economy has been associated with the construction and operation of two state prisons in the city and one federal prison in the area.
Despite its small size, Susanville has plenty to offer visitors. The town is home to two state prisons: the California Correctional Center, a minimum-medium security facility, which opened in 1963; and the High Desert State Prison, California (not to be confused with High Desert State Prison, Nevada), which opened in 1995. The Federal Correctional Institution, Herlong is nearby, having opened in 2001. Visitors can learn more about the prisons and their effects on the community by watching the documentary Prison Town, USA (2007), aired on PBS.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Susanville is a gateway city to Reno on U.S. Route 395 and is located at the head of Honey Lake Valley, 40 miles (64 km) east of Lassen Peak. Eagle Lake is located 15 miles (24 km) north of the town. The town is underlain by igneous rock, which provides the parent material for its well-drained brown stony to gravelly sandy loams or loams. On the western outskirts under forest cover, the soils are often reddish brown. The most common soil series in Susanville’s urban area is Springmeyer gravelly fine sandy loam.
Susanville has a dry-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dsb) with cool winters and hot, mostly dry summers, except for occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures reach 90 °F (32 °C) or higher on an average of 36.9 days annually, and drop to 32 °F (0 °C) or lower on an average of 164.6 days annually. The highest recorded temperature in Susanville was 106 °F (41 °C) in July 1931, and the lowest recorded temperature was −23 °F (−31 °C) on February 1, 1956. Annual precipitation averaged 13.44 inches (341 mm) from 1971 to 2000, with an average of 66 days with measurable precipitation.
If you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination, Susanville is definitely worth a visit. With its rich history, unique attractions, and breathtaking landscapes, this charming town is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler. Come and discover the hidden gem of Lassen County!
