Kennedy Falls Hike and Big Cedar Trail in North Vancouver

The Kennedy Falls hike located in North Vancouver is a 10 km round-trip hike starting from the Mount Fromme parking lot. The trail leads through the forest on the west side of Lynn Creek and past one of the few remaining old growth cedar trees in the Lower Mainland known as the Big Cedar. Kennedy Falls is a stunning series of waterfalls flowing down from Kennedy Lake. This popular intermediate hike is well marked and not very scenic as it remains within the trees, although, the waterfalls are well worth the distance.

Time (Round-Trip): 4-5 hrs
Distance (Round-Trip): 10 km
Difficulty: Intermediate
Season: Year-Round
Elevation: 500 m (1,640 ft) Gain: 150 m
Scenery: ★★★☆☆
Camping: No
From Vancouver: 30 minutes
Public Transit: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes

To reach the trail, head north up Mountain Highway into Mount Fromme Park. Keep in mind the gate closure hours if parking within the park. At this point the road turns to gravel. You will pass a parking lot on your right and a large green water tower on your left. Continue past the gate and up the gravel road. Prior to reaching the first switchback of the Mount Fromme road take a gravel trail on the right and continue straight. The trail to Kennedy Falls will traverse a wooden bridge over a ravine and head into the North Shore wilderness. Keep right at the first fork in the trail.

Beyond this point, the trail is easy to follow and remains fairly flat until the Big Cedar tree about 2/3 of the way. Expect numerous muddy sections if it has rained recently. There are a few creek crossings and slightly technical descents into the creek beds. These sections can be challenging to cross during rainy seasons as the water level will be higher and the rock very slippery.

Once you reach the Big Cedar tree, which is easy to locate as it will be the only old growth cedar that isn’t chopped down, continue leftwards. The trail will become very steep for a few hundred meters before leading right and flattening out once again. Follow the trail until you arrive near a creek and begin to hear the sound of waterfalls. Head up stream and shortly after you will reach the beautiful Kennedy Falls.

If you feel adventurous and are very agile, follow a sketchy goat trail along the left side of the falls to reach more waterfalls including a canyon with a waterfall at the end. Reaching these upper falls is dangerous therefor is not advised to everyone.

Return the way you came when ready.

Kennedy Falls Trail Map