An all-day adventure through pine forests, meadows filled with wildflowers and breathtaking views into California’s central valley.
What’s the hike? Brokeoff Mountain
Where is it? Lassen Volcanic National Park
How long? 7 miles (11 km) Out & Back
How long really? It took us five and a half hours, including the photoshoot for Instagram
How was it? A beautiful but challenging hike with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Lassen Peak, Mount Shasta, and the Chaos Crags. The trail starts out in a forest of pines and firs, and gradually climbs through meadows and open slopes. It was a beautiful hike filled with damp meadows and wildflowers, in between steep climbs. As you get higher, the views start to open up, and you can see the park’s other volcanoes, as well as the surrounding mountains and valleys. The final stretch of the trail is the steepest, but it’s worth the effort to reach the summit.
Was it eazy? It was very steep, and at times it felt long, but manageable with breaks.
What should I take? Be prepared for varied weather. The trail is shaded in parts, but you’re completely exposed for the final mile. We went from light rain to needing sunscreen and a hat. Hiking sticks helped, especially as the ground gave way to a mix of gravel and sand at the top. As always, bring tons of water, and pack a lunch too.
For more information: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/brokeoff-mountain–4