Brokeoff Mountain, Lassen Volcanic National Park

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Brokeoff Mountain, Lassen Volcanic National Park

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 7.0 miles / 11.3 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: Located four hours north east of San Francisco this Northern California park might be a little out of the way, but it’s a prime destination for seekers of tranquility and those with even just a passing interest in geology.

Many folk head to Lassen Volcanic National Park with a plan to hike Lassen Peak, and for good reason - it's a really good signature hike for the park.

However, if you have time to hike only one peak on your travels here, then you might prefer to choose Brokeoff Mountain which we think is a better hike, but also affords you some of the best views of the park from the summit, including great ones of Lassen Peak.

Elevation gain:
• 2,600ft (from 6,600 - 9,235ft)

Tips:
• Summer through fall is the best time to experience this trail. Snow covers the Lassen landscape for much of the year, closing roads and obscuring trails. See our links below to National Park Service information on road and trail closures.

Points of Interest

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Trailhead

You'll need to arrive early to be sure of a parking spot opposite the Brokeoff mountain trailhead. Probably earlier than than the Park Ranger's station, so be sure you have plenty of change to pay the self-registration fee at the booth.

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Follow the stream

Roughly half of this trail's 3½ mile journey to the summit takes a gently inclining route along the side of a mountain creek surrounded by lush vegetation and pine trees, which also provide welcome relief from summer sunshine.

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Begin Your Climb

Until now the elevation gain up this trail has been relatively plain sailing, but now we crank it up a notch.

Despite the increased workout, you should still find this trail eminently enjoyable as it snakes its way up the South Eastern flanks of the mountain. Take time to enjoy the impressive views of the surrounding park, and try and count the number of tree-covered cinder cones you can see to the west.

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Final Ascent

So the good news is there's only one switchback on the final ascent. But the bad news is - it's a long one.

You'll be thankful of the switchback however since it maintains the steady incline of the trail towards the summit, meaning you won't be sweating over any tough climbs today.

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Brokeoff Summit (9,235ft)

Brokeoff Mountain - as its name suggests - is only the part of a much older and larger volcano called Mount Tehama which has been eroded away over the past half-million years by ice ages and volcanic forces.

The second tallest mountain in the park, Brokeoff is the perfect place from which to admire the largest mountain - Lassen Peak. It's also a great place to enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views for miles around.