360 Views and my first ever bear sighting

7/06/2026 Brokeoff Mountain, Lassen National Park (NP)

Today I completed my first peak of the Northern California Six Pack of Peaks Challenge and got to visit Lassen NP where Brokeoff Mountain is located. My day started off by getting up at 0300 and heading out at about 0400 for a 2.5-hour drive to the trailhead. It was a smooth drive and had virtually no other cars on the road.

I arrived at the trailhead (National Park Pass required or a $30 day entry fee) right around 0715 and started my hike at 0730. The initial portion of the hike was a little wet from the low overhanging bushes. After the first mile the trail opens up in a more forested hike with tons of trees and a few creek crossings. Miles 1 and 2 combined gained about 1,325 feet. Mile 3 gained another 700 feet and the final .75 mile to the summit gained about 600 feet. All total; my recorded elevation gain was 2,593 feet over 3.75 miles.

I only saw two other hikers during my ascent. One hiker (Grant, if I recall correctly) who started his hike at 0530 and was headed down. We chatted for a few minutes. Today’s hike for him was a side quest from his attempt “bike pack” alongside the entire route of the Pacific Crest Trail. He also mentioned he would be hiking Lassen Peak with his girlfriend on the 8^th. Which is where I intend to be as well.

There was one other hiker/trail runner going up as I was making my way. She flew by me at about the 2-mile mark on her ascent and then again at about the 3-mile mark on her descent. We exchanged hellos and kudos for the pace she was keeping. I ran into her again during my descent as she was making her way back up for the 2^nd of three rounds. Pretty impressive. She was training for a 100-mile Ultra in Wyoming in two weeks.

The summit was awesome and had 360-degree views. I had the summit all to myself for the entire time I was up there. My descent was pretty easy. There were now several dozen hikers on trail making their way up. When I finished my I turned to look back at the trail where I had just come from, just in time to see a large bear. He/she was about 200 meters from me just casually making its way through the woods. I think I’ve completed at least 900 hjikes over the past 11 years and not once have I run into or have seen a bear. Lots of other animals though.

Anyway, great day and start to the Northern California Six Pack of Peaks. I recorded a total of 7.6 miles and 2,603 feet in total elevation gain. And, I got to visit another National Park.