Norvan Falls (Lynn Headwaters)

Norvan Falls is a waterfall reached by a long riverside trail up the Lynn Valley in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The park address is Lynn Valley Rd, and visitors drive to the Lynn Headwaters Regional Park lot at the end of the road. Metro Vancouver may set trail registration requirements, so they should be checked before setting out. The hike is free. The return distance is about 14 km with roughly 250 m of elevation gain, which places it at moderate difficulty because of length rather than steepness, and most hikers take four to five hours. The trail begins on a wide gravel path beside the Lynn Creek, then narrows into a forest trail of packed dirt, roots and rocky sections beneath tall Douglas fir, hemlock and cedar, with plentiful shade. Landmarks include the Lynn Creek valley, the junction with the Lynn Loop and the Cedar Mill area, and the final climb to Norvan Falls, whose flow is strongest in late spring. Creek crossings can be tricky when water is high. Water from the creek should be treated, and no huts or shelters exist, so hikers should carry two litres or more plus a rain layer. The area is a working watershed edge and a wilderness park, with cell coverage patchy, so navigation tools and a map are useful. A practical turn-around for those short on time is the early viewpoints along the main path, and the falls themselves are the natural destination. Bears are present in the valley, and hikers should make noise and carry bear awareness knowledge. Rain makes roots and rocks slippery, and daylight hours should be planned for the return.