Thursday 30 August 2018
Brokeoff Mountain is the eroded remains of an ancient volcano named Mount Tehama. From its summit several other peaks which were once part of the volcano can be viewed. An imaginary line linking them all together shows the enormous size of the peak.Tehama was 11 miles across and 11,500 feet high. It was active approximately 500,000 years ago. Brokeoff Mountain is 9,235 feet high. The climb to the summit is a 7 mile round trip with an elevation gain of 2700 feet.
O and I plan an early start for this hike. We bought a strawberry rhubarb pie in Chester yesterday so that breakfast would be quick this morning. We did not, however, account for us sleeping in until almost 8 am. Unheard of!!
It is almost noon by the time we are ready to begin our hike from the trailhead. The path leads steadily upwards, first through beautiful pine and fir woods along a stream, then climbing higher to where the trees are more spread out and manzanita covers much of the slopes. Higher still we are mostly in the sun. The breeze is fresh and cool – no concerns about overheating today. (The temperature was in the mid-30’s when we awoke this morning.)
Our trail traverses long switchbacks up the shoulders of Brokeoff Mountain. With less than a mile to go we meet a couple from Oregon on their way down. They have come to Lassen to escape the smoke from all the Oregon forest fires. They ask where we are from. “Pennsylvania,” replies O. “It’s been a long hike!” We chat for awhile about our travel plans. They are glad to hear we are going to Redwoods next. They recommend we see Prairie Creek State Park while we are there. They also highly recommend a drive along Howling Creek Road. We will have to look it up. As to our plans at Rainier, they tell us there is a small “island” of old growth trees on the east side where they have enjoyed hiking. We will add their suggestions to our list of “places to see” back at Vincent.
O and I pass a total of 6 people on our way to Brokeoff’s summit. When we finally reach our goal we are alone with the breathtaking 360 degree view. Though there is distant haze we can make out California’s central valley and the coastal range. We descend from the windy summit and enjoy lunch with a spectacular view of Mount Lassen. After lunch we begin the 3.5 mile descent. It’s quite a good workout for our quads! Again we return to camp for a late supper. O and I agree this was one of the top hikes of our trip thus far.
