Tehama County High Point Trip Report

Brokeoff Mountain (9,235 ft)

Date: October 12, 2001
Author: Peter Maurer

An early morning ascent, since time was limited. I started before the sun breached the horizon, and a cold north wind was blowing following the previous day's storm system. The route is described in Suttle's guidebook and it is a well-used trail in the National Park. The trail winds through a variety of vegetation: willow and alder bogs, along meadows and marshy ponds, through some magnificent mountain hemlock groves and up to timberline. Much more interesting than Lassen Peak, and more varied topography, since it takes an additional mile to cover the same elevation gain.

The blustery wind kept it cold, particularly along the ridge lines, but for the most part the trail was sheltered by being on the south flank of the mountain. At the top, I thought that I would literally be blown off the mountain, though! Another set of spectacular views from the top, with Mt Shasta, which the previous day was shrouded in clouds, dominating the horizon with a fresh dusting of snow. At least nine other county highpoints could be positively identified, due to the great visibility, with Mt Diablo being the farthest away to the south.