Wendel is an unincorporated community in Lassen County, California. It is located 23 miles (37 km) east-southeast of Susanville, at an elevation of 4012 feet (1223 m). Wendel's ZIP Code is 96136. The Wendel post office openeed in 1915 (when it was transferred from Purser), closed in 1920, and re-opened in 1921. The name Wendel was bestowed by Thomas Moran, the president of the Nevada–California–Oregon Railway, for a friend.