A northern variation was pioneered by the Applegate brothers in 1846, using a more northerly route that connected with destinations in Oregon.

When Nobles returned to California from his expedition with Lassen, he showed a party of businessmen the route for a fee of $2000.

Nobles' efforts persuaded Congress to appropriate $300,000 for an expedition along the route, led by Frederick W. Lander, who prepared a favorable report in February 1861.

[4] The trail has two California Historical Landmark markers: #675 marks a stopping place along the Noble Emigrant Trail that William Nobles established near the present-day city of Susanville,[2] while #677 marks the spot where Peter Lassen first saw Honey Lake on October 4, 1850, while on his search for "Gold Lake".

[3] The trail within the park starts in the northeast corner, passing the edge of the Cinder Cone and the Fantastic Lava Beds, then skirting Prospect Peak.