Devil's Corral to Susanville

Season: Boatable flows extend from March to August with occasional storm flows occurring in the late fall and winter that create short runable opportunities for experienced boaters. Description This is a 6.5 mile Class II to III run with two portages except in high water when the portages can be run as Class IV to V drops, subject to volume and debris hazards. The two Class IV to V drops are approximately 1.75 and 3 miles downstream from the put in at the Highway 36 bridge at Devil’s Corral. Natural woody debris in the river and stream side brush, roots and low tree limbs create ever present obstacles and “strainers” to avoid in this narrow river channel and therefore, scouting rapids is a must as difficulty increases and where visibility is limited. The Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail (a rail trail) parallels the river through the Susan River Canyon along this entire segment of the river providing an excellent scouting route and portage path when needed. Boaters pass through beautiful scenery of the east slope of the Sierra and Cascade Mountains, underneath eight steel railroad bridges and by two RR tunnels built in 1913 which are part of the abandoned Fernley and Lassen Branch of the Southern Pacific Railroad, now the Bizz Johnson Trail. Inner tubers are the primary floaters of the river, floating mainly in the late spring and summer time. Kayakers also run the river and enjoy the mixture of whitewater and scenic beauty when flows are suitable. This segment of the Susan is not suitable for inexperienced whitewater paddlers using conventional open canoes due to the many natural hazards and narrow channel. Logistics The put in for the 6.5 mile Devil's Corral to Susanville run is directly below the California State Highway 36 bridge at Devil's Corral. River access is available via an old highway segment that turns off the north side of Highway 36, 1/4 mile west of the current Highway 36 bridge. Follow the old highway east about \_ mile to just before a blocked old highway bridge where a small dirt road on the right descends to the river. The river is very narrow here but is joined by two streams within 1/4 mile adding to the small flow. The take out is at BLM's Hobo Camp picnic area on river right about 6.5 miles downstream from the put in. The picnic area is near the edge of town in a pine grove on river right about \_ mile below a steel railroad bridge. The picnic area is open from the 3rd weekend of April through the 2nd weekend of November. To drive to Hobo Camp, follow Susanville’s Main Street to South Weatherlow Street which becomes Richmond Road after crossing the Susan River, follow South Weatherlow Street \_ mile, turn right on South Street and then following signs to Hobo Camp. Before Hobo Camp opens, boaters can take out below the Hobo Camp picnic area on river left above a steep drop and portage down the Bizz Johnson Trail \_ mile to the Miller Road Trailhead. Contact BLM for Bizz Johnson Trail Map. Additional Information Eagle Lake Field Office Bureau of Land Management 2950 Riverside Drive Susanville, CA 96130 530-257-0456 http://www.ca.blm.gov/eaglelake