Norvan Falls
Norvan Falls

Norvan Falls hike

North Shore
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Rusted car sits in the forest along path up to Norvan Falls in North Shore areaRiver through forest along hiking trail to Norvan Falls in Northshore areaNorvan Falls hiking trail fearturing boardwalk and beautiful forestSignpost along hiking trail to Norvan Falls in Nouth Shore region of BCLooking up at the hills above hiking trail to Norvan Falls in North Shore areaMountains and river along the trail to Norvan Falls in North Shore region of BCLooking over the boardwalk along the hiking trail to Norvan FallsSunlight filtering through tall trees in the woods along path leading to Norvan FallsFallen Tree below Norvan Falls in North Shore region of BCNorvan Falls in North Shore region of british ColumbiaLog jam downstream from Norvan Falls in North Shore area on BC coastCliffs and Waterfalls at Norvan Falls in forests of North Shore BC

Norvan Falls hike

Distance: 8.7mi
Elevation: 1,283ft
Time: 3.5-5h

Difficulty Rating:

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Embark on a hike at Norvan Falls, located in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, in North Vancouver where a dazzling waterfall awaits at the end of the trail. This trail runs parallel to Lynn Creek and is relatively flat, making for an accessible hike for all and a great spot for trail running. While there is no sweeping vista to enjoy on this hike, the waterfall is beautiful, and the trail through the forest is itself rewarding.

Norvan Falls Hike Map

Getting there

From North Vancouver, head out of the city towards Fern St. Continue onto Lillooet Rd, making a slight left to stay on Lillooet Rd for 6.4mi. Arrive at Norval Falls Parking Lot, park in the far end by the trail board.

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About

When to do

All seasons

Backcountry Campsites

No

Pets allowed

Yes

Family friendly

Older Children only

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Out and back


Norvan Falls
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Norvan Falls

Set out on the Norman Falls hike from the farthest end of the parking lot, where you’ll spot a large map that shows the local hiking trails to become familiarized with the trail route.

From here, head north to the bridge that goes over Lynn Creek. Here, you’ll find a hiker registration station, where you should fill out a form in case of an emergency. Head left from this registration station onto the wide path. The first section of the trail is well marked and easy to follow. Take the Lynn Loop Trail north through the forest for 1.8 km, until you hit a junction point and a trail sign.

At the junction you have two options, you can head right and upwards to Upper Lynn Loop and Headwaters Trails, which is an alternative route that will eventually take you to Norvan Falls, but makes the hike significantly harder with more elevation gain. Instead, we recommend you follow the trail north along the Lower Lynn Loop Trail. Continue for 1.1mi until you hit the Cedars Mill Trail, staying left and following the creek.

The Norvan Falls trail was once home to an extensive logging trade during the early 1900’s and to this day, there remains artifacts from this time period, such as a four-wheel log transporter that was left among the woods.

Continue on the hiking trail for about another 1.3mi until you come to an open area, known as Third Debris Chute, which turns into the Headwaters Trail. This is the perfect spot to stop for a rest, have a snack and soak in the mesmerizing view of Goat Ridge and Mount Fromme.

From here, follow the junction north, until the path turns into a single-track and becomes more challenging. Keep hiking north, noting the numerous yellow trail markers. The trail moves further away from Lynn Creek and becomes more rolling, up and down, and even passing over multiple jagged streams.

About 1.9mi from the 3rd Debris Chute, the path once again splits into two options. To the right is Coliseum Mountain – an ambitious undertaking. We’d suggest staying left, until you reach the next junction where you can take a left and cross over a metal suspension bridge to the Hanes Valley Trail and also to Lynn Lake (save this for another day as well).

Head right, following the signs for Norvan Falls. From here, tackle the last few hundred meters up a big hill to reach the 98ft high Norvan Falls.

For a photo op, and be careful about this, go to the viewpoint at the very tip top of the trail, but proceed with caution, so as not to fall off the cliff. If you’d like to get closer to Norvan Falls, there are a few safe spots to access the creek further back down the trail, but they are not official paths and should also be proceeded with caution.

Once at Norvan Falls, take a rest before heading back the exact same way you came, until you reach the parking lot.

Insider Hints

  • If you want to add even more distance to the Norvan Falls hike, you can also start at the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve and access Lynn Headwaters Regional Park via the Lynn Headwaters Connector Trail, which skirts the west side of Rice Lake.

  • The Norvan Falls trail has a lot of loose debris, stairs and jagged rocks, we recommend hiking boots over trail runners or sneakers.

Comments

Brandon Houston 5 years ago

Great hike! Really enchanting, even on a rainy day. Also, rain makes the waterfall more beautiful.

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Jessica G. 5 years ago

It was a lovely hike. Not too difficult, with mild elevation gain, but quite long and a nice workout.

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Rixy H. 5 years ago

the hike was very easy...some sections require a bit of extra focus to ensure you don’t slip or fall...overall, enjoyed the stunning views.

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Isaac Tomlins 5 years ago

Slightly challenging trail due to tree roots. The trail was extremely muddy as well, so bring some spare shoes!

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Dan G. 5 years ago

There is almost no incline. The path is well marked and maintained. The waterfall at the end of the trail is pretty small but still beautiful.

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Wade Atkinson 5 years ago

Awesome environment. The glistening water from the falls looks magical.

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genevaoftheeast 5 years ago

The trail was forgiving and manageable. The thriving surroundings look fantastic.

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2026 years ago

"This trail is superb! Super easy at first, after that it is a bit challenging but manageable.

8 Comments

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