Brokeoff Mt, Lassen National Park CA

• 5-star hike
• 7 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 2,550 ft | Peak 9,235 ft
• Mineral, CA | Lassen Region
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The image shows a scenic view of a mountainous landscape with a prominent peak in the background. The foreground is framed by tall evergreen trees, and the midground is filled with a dense forest of similar trees. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds, suggesting a bright and sunny day.

The image shows a scenic view of a mountainous landscape with a prominent peak in the background. The foreground is framed by tall evergreen trees, and the midground is filled with a dense forest of similar trees. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds, suggesting a bright and sunny day.

Heading up to Lassen Volcanic National Park with a mind to hiking a mountain, most people would choose Lassen Peak, and for good reason. Not only do you get the bragging rights of climbing the highest and most visible mountain in the park, but you also get bonus points for hiking to the top of an active volcano. It's just that we think Brokeoff Mountain is an even better hike, and one that too often gets overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbor.

At 9,235 feet, Brokeoff Mountain is the largest remnant of Mount Tehama, an older and much larger volcano that has eroded away over the past half-million years under the combined forces of ice ages and volcanic activity. Climbing to the summit takes you to the second-highest point in the park and rewards you with sweeping views over many other peaks, including Lassen Peak itself, along with a genuine sense of the scale of the ancient volcano that once stood here. Standing atop what remains of Tehama, it's remarkable to consider just how much larger the original mountain must have been.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Brokeoff Mt Trail 6.9 mi out & back, moderate, gain 2,550 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

$ NPS entrance fee

About half of the trail's journey to the summit follows a gently inclining route along the side of a mountain creek, surrounded by lush vegetation and pine trees that offer plenty of welcome shade from the summer sun. This lower section makes for pleasant, easy walking, and the sound of running water is a constant, soothing companion for much of the way. At about the halfway mark, the trail gains elevation more noticeably, climbing up to a saddle before switchbacking up the south face of the mountain to the summit, where the terrain becomes rockier and more exposed.

The final push to the top is the most demanding part of the hike, but the payoff is well worth the effort, with panoramic views stretching across the surrounding wilderness on a clear day. Because there's little shade along this upper stretch, it's worth carrying plenty of water and starting early to avoid the strongest midday heat.

Snow covers the Lassen landscape for much of the year, and some roads and trails may not be open, even in summer, depending on conditions. Check the links below to find updated information on road closures, trail closures, and campground status before setting out.

The image is a side-by-side comparison of two different hiking environments. The left side of the image shows a lush, green forested area with a small waterfall and a stream running through it. The area is surrounded by tall trees and dense vegetation, creating a serene and picturesque natural setting. The right side of the image depicts a group of hikers walking along a rocky, barren trail on a mountainside. The trail is steep and appears to be at a high elevation, with a clear view of the landscape below. The hikers are equipped with backpacks and are walking towards the horizon, with a few trees scattered along the trail.

Sights along the Brokeoff Mountain Trail.

The image shows a panoramic view of a mountainous landscape. The scene includes rugged terrain with peaks and valleys, some of which are partially covered with patches of snow. There is a blue lake visible in the lower left part of the image, surrounded by forested areas. The sky is clear and blue, indicating good weather conditions.

The image shows a panoramic view of a mountainous landscape. The scene includes rugged terrain with peaks and valleys, some of which are partially covered with patches of snow. There is a blue lake visible in the lower left part of the image, surrounded by forested areas. The sky is clear and blue, indicating good weather conditions.

Views of Brokeoff Mountain from the summit of Lassen Peak.

External links:
Lassen Volcanic National Park website

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Lassen Peak (4 mi)
5★ Bumpass Hell (2 mi)
4★ Cluster Lakes (11 mi)
Show Area Map

Trailspotting free offline maps:
MAP PACK Lassen Region

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