Story:
I initially wanted to climb up Lassen Peak but had to change my plans after learning that the trail was closed for the remaining of the year. Brokeoff Mountain seemed to be an interesting alternative. Less crowded, with great views, and considered to be the most strenuous of the featured hikes in the park, although it is short (7 miles return trip).
It did not disappoint. The path goes through various type of vegetation, from thick bushes at the trailhead to just rocks past a certain elevation, through wooden areas and beautiful meadows. It climbs all the way up to the summit but the grade is nice and I didn't feel the need for many breaks.
The 360 degrees views at the summit are awesome. Lake Almanor to the South East, Lassen Peak to the North, and of course beautiful Mount Shasta to the North West.
We chatted with a few people for a while. I read many times about this hike being ignored by visitors but because Lassen Peak was off limit this year, Brokeoff Mountain got more attention. And indeed, we met many groups hiking up while we were going down. We hiked down the same way we took going up (there's only one trail, officially at least) at a quite fast pace.
The NPS site says it's a 7h hike. but it only took us 2h to go up, and 1h15 to go down. Enough time left to hike another trail (Lake Ridges trail).
I initially wanted to climb up Lassen Peak but had to change my plans after learning that the trail was closed for the remaining of the year. Brokeoff Mountain seemed to be an interesting alternative. Less crowded, with great views, and considered to be the most strenuous of the featured hikes in the park, although it is short (7 miles return trip).
It did not disappoint. The path goes through various type of vegetation, from thick bushes at the trailhead to just rocks past a certain elevation, through wooden areas and beautiful meadows. It climbs all the way up to the summit but the grade is nice and I didn't feel the need for many breaks.
The 360 degrees views at the summit are awesome. Lake Almanor to the South East, Lassen Peak to the North, and of course beautiful Mount Shasta to the North West.
We chatted with a few people for a while. I read many times about this hike being ignored by visitors but because Lassen Peak was off limit this year, Brokeoff Mountain got more attention. And indeed, we met many groups hiking up while we were going down. We hiked down the same way we took going up (there's only one trail, officially at least) at a quite fast pace.
The NPS site says it's a 7h hike. but it only took us 2h to go up, and 1h15 to go down. Enough time left to hike another trail (Lake Ridges trail).
Tips:
There is limited parking at the trailhead and this is a problem when Lassen Peak is closed, but you can safely park on the side of the road.
There is limited parking at the trailhead and this is a problem when Lassen Peak is closed, but you can safely park on the side of the road.
Tags:
Brokeoff Mountain, brokeoff, lassen
Brokeoff Mountain, brokeoff, lassen
Comments (3)
I've been to drakesbad lodge quite a few times, but we never got out that far, looks like it'd be worth it though
by skicavs on Sep 13, 2009
Great trip - makes me want to get up there in the summer. I've only explored this area on snowshoe.
by calipidder on Sep 12, 2009
Looks like my GPS had the hiccups on the way down. Maybe it lost a few satellites...
by Vaudesir on Sep 12, 2009
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