Hiking Brokeoff Mountain | Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California is a destination that does not disappoint. The evidence of the areas volcanism is apparent as you explore the park via its roads and trails. Each trail feels like it is full of surprises, be it the destination, the unique volcanic features as you walk along the trail, or the lack of people you’ll encounter.

There are several peaks to summit in the national park so for our first peak in the park we started with Brokeoff Mountain. Brokeoff Mountain is a remnant of the parks only composite volcano. It stands at 9,236 feet making it the second highest peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Trying to Decide on Brokeoff Mountain or Lassen Peak?

The easy and obvious answer: Both! But there’s no denying that hiking Brokeoff Mountain and hiking the highest peak in the park, Lassen Peak (10,463 feet), are two very different experiences. We highly suggest fitting them both into your Lassen Volcanic National Park itinerary because they are both beautiful with amazing views! And the differences between the two experiences are great because then it doesn’t feel like why do both if you’ve already done one.

The two main differences that we noticed were: traffic and trail type/conditions.

Lassen Peak is the highest peak in the park and so, naturally, it is a more popular feat. There were a lot of people in the parking area, a lot of people on the trail, and a lot of people on the top. Our experience hiking Brokeoff Mountain was the complete opposite. We shared the parking lot with one other vehicle, saw one couple on the trail, and had the peak completely to ourselves.

The trail to the top of Lassen Peak is primarily switchbacks – a lot of them – climbing the barren mountainside. As you climb, the view is constantly visible and changing with your progress. Another neat aspect of the trail are the numerous information signs explaining nearby features. After a false peak is a fun scramble to unbelievable views.

Hiking Brokeoff Mountain has switchbacks too but a lot less. The trail is more diverse as it climbs through a lush forested setting. Once the switchbacks do start, the actual vista that you are working to attain is mostly hidden during the climb. Then once you get to the top, the gorgeous vast views are revealed.

Ideally, summitting both Brokeoff Mountain and Lassen Peak is the way to go. Both of these hikes gain a good amount of elevation before revealing humbling, jaw-dropping views of the surrounding area.

Quick Info for Hiking Brokeoff Mountain

Distance: 7.4 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous; the trail is steep in some areas and there is a lot of elevation change.

Directions: Follow the CA-89 to the southwest entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is a parking area for Brokeoff Mountain about 1/4 mile before (or south of) the entrance booth. The trail begins across the street from this parking area.

Trailhead Amenities: There are no amenities at the trailhead but restrooms and water can be found about 1/2 mile north at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.

Hiking Brokeoff Mountain

Across the street from the parking area is an information sign and is where the Brokeoff Mountain Trail begins.

The trail begins its ascent by climbing through a densely vegetated narrow track before opening up into the woods. The trail passes a beautiful marshy area with several cute ponds.

We hiked Brokeoff Mountain the day after a heavy rain (and apparently snow) so the trail was very wet and muddy (and snowy at times).

The trail climbs out of the marshy meadow, already revealing beautiful views. Once out of the woods, the view of the mountain ahead is gorgeous.

Then there are switchbacks climbing up to the saddle before wrapping around to the other side of the mountain. From here, the views are already incredible and distracting!

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Once on the other side, the trail follows the side of the mountain up. The mountainside at the edge of the trail is super steep. Everything about the hike at this point is perfect – the volcanic rocks, the clusters of trees, the vast vistas, striking colors of the surroundings, the heart pumping angle of the trail as the peak comes within reach…

Then suddenly there is the amazing view of Lassen Peak! And the summit!

From the top of Brokeoff Mountain you have a truly breathtaking panoramic view of an extremely gorgeous area. Words cannot describe the beauty and euphoria atop this summit…

Also, we had the entire summit to ourselves as we relished in the scenery. Still high from the unbelievably rewarding scenery we began the also beautiful descent back to the parking area.

Brokeoff Mountain was an amazing hike! We found the entire trail to be very scenic and enjoyable. And the challenge of the elevation gain made us feel like we earned the seriously rewarding views.

Thanks for Reading!

Hiking Brokeoff Mountain was one of those perfect experiences where the energy, conditions, challenge and scenery all come together to create euphoria. If you’d like to read about some other great hikes, check out these articles:

• Hilton Lakes Trail
• Hiking in the Southern Sierras: Owens Peak
• Exploring Ding and Dang Canyons

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