Crown Mountain hike via Hanes Valley – North Vancouver

Name: Crown Mountain hike via Hanes Valley - North Vancouver
Rating: 5

July 21, 2018September 4, 2022 Carl Blanchet 0 Comments Difficult Hikes, Hiking, Lynn Headwaters, Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, Lynn Valley, North Vancouver, Parking Available, Smoking Free Zone, Toilets Available, Viewpoint

Crown Mountain hike is very challenging if reached from Lynn Headwaters, perhaps consider hiking it from Grouse Mountain. Crown Mountain, visible from downtown Vancouver towering above Grouse Mountain, was originally named 150 years ago due to its crown like shape. This challenging hike, recommended only to the experienced hiker, offers phenomenal views of the vast Greater Vancouver Area and far beyond the Canadian border to the south as well as beautifully deep within the North Shore Mountains. Crown’s sharp peak 1,504 m (4,935 ft) above sea level is a pleasure to stand upon, although extreme caution is necessary as any mistake can be deadly.

Time (One Way): 8+ hrs
Distance (One Way): 14.5 km
Difficulty: Difficult // Long, steep and moderately difficult once ascending boulder field, dangerous climbing to reach summit
Season: June to October
Elevation: 1,504 m (4,935 ft) Gain: 1,300 m
Scenery: ★★★★★
Camping: No
From Vancouver: 40 minutes
Public Transit: Yes (click here to plan route)
Dog Friendly: No (too technical)

At about 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Lynn Headwaters is a very popular location for hiking, picnicking or swimming. Parking is limited within the park, therefor you may have to park along the residential roads of Lynn Valley. Beware of parking time limitation, many streets allow for 2 hours of parking only. This may also add a couple KMs to your trek.

Crown Mountain hike starts in the vast Lynn Headwaters Regional Park and follows Lynn Creek roughly 7km to Norvan Fall, a lovely waterfall perfect to take a snack break. Past the trail leading to the falls, one must continue onto the metal suspension bridge across Norvan Creek and enter the Lynn Headwaters backcountry. Keep in mind that the backcountry its only accessible within the summer months, opening as late a mid July depending on snow melt. Lookout for a sign after the bridge indicating if it is open or not. From here walk amongst old growth for 1km where you will encounter a map; take a left down towards Lynn Creek.

Once down by the creek, you will have to cross over to the otherwise by manoeuvre over a series of logs. Follow the yellow diamond markers for 2.5 km through more old growth and across (most likely dry) river beds. The view will start to open top and you will reach the base of Hanes Valley. Here you will find a heli pad and a barrel where the North Shore Search and Rescue team stocks gear to facilitate their rescues. Continue right where you will pass a little creek, a good place to refill on water if you have a water purification device. Continue into the trees and you will start to enter the boulder field. Be sure to follow the orange markers and signs of trail as you do not want to head up in the wrong direction. The trail carries across the boulder field and up once you hit a ties of bushes. This whole section is extremely strenuous and tiring especially under the hot sun as there will be no shade until you reach the top of Hanes Pass. Continue up the trail slow and steady, minding every step, as the uneven and unbalanced ground is unforgiving. Congrats you've made it up the steep boulder field, but, the battle is not over yet.

Follow the signs leading right heading up to Crown Mountain. The terrain will suddenly become very steep once again and can be super slippery depending on the conditions. Use the roots along the trail to secure yourself as you ascend. There will be a few sections of scrambling where you will have to climb up and across rock faces. Follow the spray painted dots along the rock face as it will lead you up the safest route. You will have to cross a river which may be snowed over depending on the time of the year, be very careful upon crossing as the snow is hollow not far beneath your feet. If there is running water, this will be the last water source until your return. Do not forget tp purify/filter the water for safe drinking. Continue up the steep mountain trail until you will reach an opening on the ridge and get finally get a view of the summit. You're almost there! Follow the trail to one last steep section that will start to reveal absolutely stunning views all around. Continue up at your own risk onto the spine to the summit of Crown Mountain and stick within your comfort zone. Enjoy 360 views that will leave you in awe for years to come.

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

VIDEOS: Summiting Crown Mountain in North Vancouver, BC

ESTIMATED DRIVING TIME FROM VANCOUVER: 40 MINUTES

The trailhead to Crown Mountain via Hanes Valley 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 the remaining 1.6 km northbound to Lynn Headwaters. This will take you about 20 minutes.

Once you're off the bus, you continue straight at the stop and you will get to a fork in the road, take a right down the hill. At the bottom of the hill continue straight and do not cross 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 and over the river. Go to the map board and grab a map! Once you have a map go left (north) towards Crown Mountain.

The second option you can do is, Once you're off the bus and you've gotten to the bottom of that hill, go right and take the small bridge over the river. Across the bridge ascend the uphill gravel path and remain left until you get to the map board next to the next bridge.

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Crown Mountain hike via Hanes Valley – North Vancouver

Lynn Headwaters Trailhead to Crown Mountain