Hiking the Lynn Loop in North Vancouver, BC
Lynn Valley Loop Trail, a Great Local Day Hike in the Vancouver Area
Jun 15, 2009
The Lynn Valley Loop is located at the south end of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Of the 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) of developed hiking trails in the Headwaters Park, the 5.2-kilometre (3.2-mile) Lynn Loop Trail is by far the most popular choice.
Lynn Valley Loop Trail
The trailhead is only thirty minutes by car from downtown Vancouver. Follow Highway #1 to the Lynn Canyon Exit and take Lynn Valley Road north for three kilometres. Avoid the turnoff to Lynn Canyon Park and continue along Lynn Valley Road and enter Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. Pass the yellow gate and follow the narrow road for one kilometre to get to the parking area.The trailhead is a short walk down the paved road.
The Lynn Valley Loop Trail has minimal elevation gain and is considered one of the easier hikes in this area of the BC coast mountains. It can be completed in about two hours and is suitable for families with small children as well as those hiking with dogs. Trail running is also very common on the Lynn Valley Loop.
The well-marked Lynn Valley Loop Trail runs alongside the eastern shore of Lynn Creek then quickly ascends into the mountainside of second-growth forest before returning back down to the trailhead.
For those looking for a slightly longer hike, there is the option of connecting to the Cedars Mill Trail, adding another hour or so to the total hike time. Maps for this trail and the other Headwaters Park trails are conveniently available at the trailhead.
Hiking the Lynn Valley Loop
The trail consists of two main sections: the Lower Lynn Loop Trail and the Upper Lynn Loop Trail. They are connected by a short series of switchbacks on either end.
The lower section of the trail is basically a wide gravel path running adjacent to Lynn Creek for about 1.8 kilometres (1.1 miles). This part of the hike is almost completely flat and offers hikers several nice viewpoints of the glassy waters of Lynn Creek framed by the towering mass of Mount Fromme in the background.
The Upper Lynn Loop Trail is about the same length as the Lower Trail but aside from that, it is drastically different. This Upper section is a rugged hike through second-growth coastal rainforest. Loose rocks and exposed tree roots are commonplace. This part of the trail also gets quite muddy – especially after heavy rainfall.
There are no viewpoints of Lynn Creek on this upper trail. However, there are two trails that branch off of this Upper Loop. The first is a short ten-minute hike up from the Loop Trail to a viewpoint of Lynn Valley. The second trail is the much longer and more difficult Lynn Peak trail.
Further Information on the Loop Trail
- The Lynn Valley Loop is open year-round.
- This trail is relatively easy and safe but can still be potentially dangerous due to weather conditions and wildlife.
- Be sure to check at the trailhead for safety updates and recommendations. The park rangers will often post notices about recent bear sightings and trail conditions as well as the daily sunset times.
- If you are hiking alone, use the hiker sign-in box at the trailhead.
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