Brokeoff Mountain, in Lassen Volcanic National Park, was once part of a much larger composite volcano, called Brokeoff Volcano that towered 1,000 feet above Lassen Peak and looked similar to Mount Shasta.

Sometimes called stratovolcanoes, these are generally steep-sided symmetrical cones of large dimensions formed from multiple eruptions that deposit layers of lava, ash, and cinder—comparable to a tiered cake. This is the most well-known type of volcano in the Cascade Range. Once standing over 11,000 ft. (3,300 m) tall, Brokeoff Volcano— also known as Mount Tehama—has been eroded away by hydrothermal activity and glaciers over the past tens of thousands of years. Long ago, Brokeoff Mountain, Pilot Pinnacle, Mount Diller, and Mount Conard were all part of Mount Tehama. Today, these individual mountains are all that remain of the composite volcano.

For sheer beauty and rugged mountain scenery the Brokeoff trail is one of the best in Lassen. The trail climbs steadily through open meadows and forest for two miles and then through scattered hemlocks and finally above timberline to the top. The view of the old Brokeoff Volcano (Mt. Tehama) caldera is excellent from the summit.

Brokeoff Mountain trail is a worthy rival to the Lassen Peak trail, passing through dense forests and lush meadows to spectacular panoramic views. The sweeping vistas include Mt. Shasta, the rim of ancient Brokeoff Volcano (Mt. Tehama) and breathtaking Lassen Peak. The trailhead is located 1/4 mile south of the southwest entrance.

Credits and Sources:

“Volcanoes of Lassen,” National Park Service,http://www.nps.gov/lavo/learn/nature/upload/Volcanoes-site-bulletin.pdf, Accessed on June 29, 2015.

“Hiking Brokeoff Mountain Trail,” National Park Service,http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/hiking_brokeoff_mountain.htm,Accessed on June 29, 2015.

“Reach the Peak,” National Park Service,http://www.nps.gov/lavo/learn/management/upload/Reach-the-Peak-site-bulletin-2014-web.pdf, Accessed on June 29, 2015.