Hiking Lynn Peak in North Vancouver
Contents
Lynn Peak Hike Information
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 12Km
Elevation Gain: 1,019m
Highest Elevation: 1,015m
Average Gradient: 16.44%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / Low
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Year-Round
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Lynn Peak Peak Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°21’34.9″N 123°01’39.8″W
Lynn Peak Overview
Lynn Peak is a summit located within Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. Due to its ease of access and year-round opening (unlike much of Lynn Headwaters which closes during the winter/spring for dangerous conditions), it’s a pretty popular trail, particularly with dog walkers and anybody looking for a good workout.
Most people stop at what is known as South Lynn Peak, which is approximately 9.5km and 780m elevation, but the actual peak is a little further along the trail, making the total distance 12km and 1,019m elevation gained. This guide will be for the full hike to the true summit.
That being said, the true summit does not offer any views whatsoever, hence the reason most people stop at the southern viewpoint, which does. There are no views of any kind beyond the southern viewpoint unless you continue your hike to The Needles, which is a whole different kettle of fish.
While Lynn Peak is typically a year round option with a fairly low elevation summit, it does get snowy/icy towards the top so keep this in mind if traveling in winter/spring especially. Typically though, it will thaw out earlier than other summits due to its elevation.
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Is Lynn Peak worthwhile?
Not particularly. There’s not a whole lot to love about this hike, neither the lower south viewpoint and definitely not the true summit. The hike is a steep forest grind and the view from the southern viewpoint is pretty mediocre for the amount of effort it takes to get there. Other than the viewpoint there is nothing to really see along the way, and the trail is pretty rough, so it’s not even that pleasant. Overall, I would only consider this hike on a lousy day, mostly as a form of exercise, to walk the dog or for fresh air. Definitely save it for shoulder season, you don’t want to waste a nice sunny day on Lynn Peak.
How difficult is the hike to Lynn Peak?
At 16.44% average gradient and over 1,000m elevation gained (to the true summit) this is an obnoxiously steep hike for what you get out of it, hence the effort reward ratio of high / low. As a result, even though this is typically seen as a shorter hike option, it’s actually pretty difficult.
Technically speaking the trail is very easy to follow but is very rugged. There are a lot of loose rocks and roots that you can easily twist your ankle on, so good ankle support is wise here.
Lynn Peak Route Information
The hike begins in the same location as Norvan Falls, Hanes Valley, Coliseum Mountain and Lynn Loop, in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, at the very north of Lynn Valley Road. This parking can get pretty busy in the summer as there are so many trails in the area, it’s not uncommon for the parking lot to be closed when it gets full, leaving you to park in the neighboring streets and a 2km walk just to reach the trailhead, so be warned.
From the trailhead you will immediately cross over Lynn Creek, turning right on the other side of the bridge, continuing a couple of hundred meters and taking the next left onto the Lynn Loop trail. You’ll follow this trail for another 600m while gradually ascending, before reaching another junction. Here you will turn right, heading up the Lynn Peak trail.
From here on out there is only one direction to go and no offshoot trails to worry about. While navigation is easy, the gradient increases significantly the whole way to the southern viewpoint with very few respites.
In all honesty there isn’t a whole lot to say about the trail as it’s really just an endless slog through typical BC forest terrain. It’s dark, damp and has that spooky forest look throughout. Some people love these settings and if that’s the case, have at it, you’ll probably like this hike a lot more than I do. I mean, you can get these forest views on much simpler trails than Lynn Peak.
From the time you begin the Lynn Peak trail to the south viewpoint, it’s around 3.5km and 700m elevation, for an average gradient of 20%. That’s pretty damn steep for any hike so don’t be surprised if you find this entire section particularly challenging. Depending on the time of year you go you can expect some very awkward footing as well, with plenty of loose rocks and roots but also the chance of streams running down the trail or ice. If going in the winter it’s probably best to take microspikes with you.
There are zero views anywhere on this trail until you get to the southern viewpoint, and that’s a large part of the reason I have very few photos to show you. There really isn’t a lot to see other than forest! The views from the southern viewpoint are reasonably decent but nothing exceptional, especially for the amount of effort you’ve put in. You’ll have views of Mount Seymour, a forest, Vancouver/Burnaby and if you’re very lucky, Mount Baker. You won’t be able to see Downtown.
The vast majority of people stop at the southern viewpoint but if for some reason you want to continue to Lynn Peak proper it’s about 1.5km further along the trail. The trail becomes much more rugged after South Lynn Peak and the elevation undulates. The true summit is actually only 17m higher than the south viewpoint, and lies in a wooded area with absolutely no views. You’ll probably want to check your map for where the summit is as it isn’t obvious and involves going off trail with a small amount of bushwhacking.
To return you simply come back the way you came. You can actually keep going even further to the Needles, which does provide exceptional views but this is a much longer trip.
When should I hike Lynn Peak?
I definitely wouldn’t waste a nice summer day on this hike as the views simply aren’t worth it. It’s a good shoulder season option if you want some fresh air and exercise, and even a decent winter option (must take spikes) if you don’t like snowshoeing.
Top Tip
This hike can be rough on the ankles and knees as the terrain is so rocky. Good ankle support would be wise, as would poles. If going in winter or spring you should take microspikes with you as it can get pretty slippery towards the top.
