Books by Ken Johnston

William Nobles pioneered the Nobles Trail in 1851. It provided a shortcut between the Applegate in Nevada and the last section of the Lassen Trail in California. It became what all other trails to California would have wanted to become: shorter, more direct to its destination, water and grass located in short intervals along the way, low elevation passes, no steep ascents or descents, and a civilized destination where provisions could be obtained.Today the Nobles Trail remains perhaps the best emigrant trail to experience and enjoy. With A Guide To The Nobles Trail and a copy of this book, one may easily follow nearly the entire route from Black Rock to Shasta City, with a two-wheel-drive vehicle, offering the opportunity to: explore the myths and mysteries of events that occurred throughout history along the trail; visit historic army forts, trading posts, and stage stops; relish the solitude of desert playas, towering mountain ranges, and volcanic landscapes; and experience a part of our country that remains one of America’s most remote and rewarding

Reading the history of California and the gold rush, one continually encounters historic discrepancies and contradictions, especially about the character and ability of Peter Lassen, a prominent California pioneer for whom the Lassen Trail, Lassen Peak, and Lassen Volcanic National Park were named. While prominent pioneers and military officers sought his company, advice, and guidance, others, including some disillusioned, trail-worn Argonauts and even some historians, denounced him and his achievements. Working as a Park Ranger and historian at Lassen National Park, Ken Johnston''s curiosity was piqued and continued through twenty years of research that has led to this fascinating account of the life and legacy of Peter Lassen.This is the result of "deep" research well presented. Readers will be bound to consider the overwhelming evidence and draw conclusions totally vindicating Peter Lassen.-Patricia and Dr. Jack Fletcher, authors of Cherokee Trail Diaries.It has been almost fifty years since anyone published a credible biography of Peter Lassen, one of the West''s most interesting pathfinders and characters. Johnston''s reevaluation of the legends, myths, misunderstandings, and outright lies about the not-so-wily Dane is a worthy contribution to our understanding of the opening of America''s overland trails and the conquest of California.-Will Bagley, author of So Rugged And MountainousKen Johnston has succeeded in finding many different extracts from the old-timers'' records and diaries...together these most important passages give us a magnificent portrait of Peter Lassen and his contemporaries...I read it like I would read a thriller. It is a book not only for history buffs-it appeals to everyone who might have just the slightest interest in the old days.-René Weybye Lassen, Denmark, four times removed great grandnephew of Peter Lassenauthor of Uncle Peter