Norvan Falls beckons spring hikers to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park in North Vancouver

Over the years, I’ve been to Norvan Falls in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park more times than I can count. Although it’s far from the most spectacular day hike on Vancouver’s North Shore, the ease of access makes it an attractive destination.

For one thing, you can get there by transit. Once you’re in North Vancouver, the #228 Lynn Valley bus from Lonsdale Quay or the #210 Upper Lynn Valley bus from Phibbs Exchange will drop you off close to the park entrance.

Another thing this hike has going for it is the fact that it’s doable almost year-round. As a valley-bottom route, it can be walked throughout much of the winter and spring, when higher trails require snowshoes or much more effort.

However you get there, the hike starts at the end of Lynn Valley Road, where a footbridge spans Lynn Creek. On the opposite bank, you turn left and walk upstream on the well-used Lynn Loop and Cedars Mill trails. Along the way, you’ll encounter rusted artifacts of the logging days and many a large stump.

The Cedars Mill Trail terminates at a open area known as the Third Debris Chute. There, you join up with the Headwaters Trail and continue north, leaving most of the dog walkers behind. Your path follows an old logging road across several debris-flow channels and through pleasant forest.

Just before reaching your destination, the challenging route to Coliseum Mountain strikes off to the right. Before going right for the waterfall at the next junction, it’s worth heading left to check out the nifty suspension bridge over Norvan Creek. On the other side of the creek, the trail keeps going to a junction, from where rough routes carry on to the Hanes Valley and Lynn Lake.

Heading back upstream, you’ll arrive at Norvan Falls and see signs warning hikers to keep back from the steep cliffs. Here, you may want to continue up the slope to (carefully) take in the view from the top of the waterfall and then come back down to have lunch below it. When you’re done, retrace your steps to the trailhead.

With little elevation gain, Norvan Falls is an easy, 11.8-kilometre round trip that takes four hours or more. Last weekend, much of the Headwaters Trail was snow-covered, but hikers had stamped out a firm path with their boots.

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