Lynn Peak – North Vancouver

Name: Lynn Peak - North Vancouver
Rating: 3

July 24, 2018September 4, 2022 Carl Blanchet 0 Comments Day Hikes, Dog Friendly, Drinking Water, Hiking, Intermediate Hikes, Lynn Headwaters, Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, North Vancouver, Parking Available, Smoking Free Zone, Toilets Available, Transit Accessible, Viewpoint

Sprouting above Lynn Valley stands Lynn Peak, it is the first of many mountains seen in between Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour Regional Park. Located on the eastside of Lynn Creek, Lynn Peak is known as Lynn Valley’s version of the Grouse Grind, except it is actually longer and higher but doesn’t get as much attention. The top of the Lynn Peak hike leads to a viewpoint facing south-east with beautiful views of Mount Seymour and as far as Mount Baker across the U.S border. Lynn Peak is fairly steep but is an easily manageable day hike at a total of 9 km which takes the average person more or less 4 hours. If you are a regular hiker in strong physical shape, you can expect to do this hike in 2 hours, it all depends on your endurance and stamina.

Time: 4 hrs
Distance: 9 km
Difficulty: Intermediate
Season: June to October
Peak Elevation: 921 m South Peak Elevation: 921 m Viewpoint Elevation: 921 m Gain: 720 m
Scenery: ★★★☆☆
Camping: No
From Vancouver: 40 minutes
Public Transit: Yes (click here to plan route)
Dog Friendly: Yes (periodically on-leash)

At about 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Lynn Headwaters is a very popular location and parking is limited within the park, which means you may have to park a little further from the trailhead than expected, adding more kilometres to hike. The trail starts in the vast Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, from the parking area, head to the end of entrance road where the trail will begin. If you need to go to the toilet or fill up on water, this is your last chance until you return. You can find more information on where to find these by clicking their respectful icons in the location features.

Once ready to begin, head across the bridge over Lynn Creek, go to the map board, grab a map and go right (south). Along that trail you will reach a 'Y", take a left here. If you start hiking from the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, you would be coming from the opposite way and also take this turn. Head uphill for 750 m and the next trail announced to the right will be the one heading up to Lynn Peak.

From this point the Lynn Peak trail will quickly begin to gain elevation. Follow the steep trail as it leads up the mountain. 2.9 km into the hike, you will reach the ridge and the trail will flatten out for about 300 m. Take this flat stretch to catch your breath as it will soon begin to climb again. About 1 km further up the trail there will a short little trail to the left leading out of the tree canopy to a beautiful viewpoint. If you do check out the viewpoint, make sure to backtrack onto the peak trail to continue.

You are getting close to the top. Follow the trail up for another 200 m or so. You will pass a trail turning left, do not go this way, continue right instead and you will reach the Lynn Peak viewpoint. Admire the view and return the way you came when ready.

There are many alternate hikes within Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, many other casual such as Rice Lake, Norvan Falls and other challenging hikes such as Coliseum Mountain, Crown Mountain and more.

ESTIMATED DRIVING TIME FROM VANCOUVER: 40 MINUTES

The trailhead to Lynn Peak begins from Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. To reach Lynn Headwaters from outside of North Vancouver, take the fourth exit after Second Narrows bridge (Exit #21) onto Mountain Highway. Head north towards Lynn Valley for 2.4 km and take a right onto Lynn Valley Road. If you are coming from Lions Gate Bridge, follow the signs to the Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 heading East and continue until the exit 19 for Lynn Valley Road.

Once on Lynn Valley Road continue North-East all the way to the end. You will reach a 3 way stop next to the End of the Line General Store, continue straight, soon after you will notice an open yellow gate and clear sign for Lynn Headwater Park, follow through the gate and make sure to notice the park hours (which varies by season) as the gate gets locked from Dusk to Dawn daily. There is a parking lot a the far end of the road as well as 2 overflow parking lots before hand and an abundance of parking along side the road where permitted.

You will want to arrive early as parking gets full relatively fast. Make sure to exit the park prior to the closing hours, otherwise the authorities will be notified and a full search party will be initiated.

TRANSIT ACCESS TO LYNN HEADWATERS

From downtown Vancouver, take the Seabus across to North Vancouver. At the Lonsdale Quay bus loop, take bus #238 to Lynn Valley. Stay on the bus until the last stop at the end of Lynn Valley Road. Get off the bus and walk about 100m northbound until you hit a fork in the road. At this point there are options but we recommend to take a right down the hill. At bottom of the hill there will be a small bridge, cross the bridge ascend the uphill gravel path on the other side. At the top of the hill remain left and walk roughly 1.5 km northbound on the gravel path until you hit a clear 'Y' in the trail. The left trail will head downhill but you will want to take a right going uphill. Take a look at the map at the 'Y' to ensure you are going the right way. The next trail announced to the right will be the one heading up to Lynn Peak, if you miss it you will end up doing the Lynn Loop, you don't want that.

The second option doesn't cross Lynn Creek so soon. Once you're off the bus and you get to the fork in the road, also take a right down the hill but at the bottom of the hill continue straight instead of going across the bridge. Follow that road for a bit and you will see a staircase on the right with a sign directing to Lynn Headwaters, head down the stairs which will lead you on the Varley trail to the parking lot at the very end of Lynn valley Road. This is where you would park if you had a car. Follow the trail past the parking lot across the bridge over the river, grab a map, and go right (south). Along that trail you will reach a 'Y", take a right. This is the same 'Y' you would have hit coming the other way. Head uphill and the next trail announced to the right will be the one heading up to Lynn Peak.

DRINKING WATER AT LYNN PEAK TRAILHEAD: YES

The drinking fountain in the picnic area was shut down and winterized on Dec. 15. It will be turned back on for the new season on Mar. 1, weather permitting.

There is no drinking water along the trail, although there are water sources located near the trailhead.

(Drinking Fountain) There is fresh drinking water available shortly after the parking lot. The tap is connected to a wooden post next to the trail. If you've crossed the bridge, you've gone too far.

(Waterhole) There is also a popular waterhole situated roughly halfway down the road between the entry gate and main parking lot on the west side of the paved road where people fill up their water jugs or bottles.

PARKING FOR COLISEUM MOUNTAIN: YES

There is a parking lot at the end of Lynn Valley Road as well as 2 overflow lots before that. Parking is allowed on the gravel area where permitted on the east side of the road. Parking at Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is very limited in the summer. Please carpool or use public transit to the park. Do not leave your vehicle inside the park overnight or after hours, it will initiate an emergency response. You may also find parking within the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve.

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Lynn Peak – North Vancouver

Lynn Peak Hike in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park – North Vancouver

LYNN HEADWATERS TRAILHEAD TO LYNN PEAK