Comments

cqqwdgfvkx from Los Angeles writes:

Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?

Posted: October 31, 2024 04:24:20 PM PST

Jamie from Vancouver writes:

Loved this hike. I went on May 1, 2024 with a friend and we found it challenging, especially the part where you have to climb over a fallen tree and use the rope to help you down into the creek. The hike felt very rewarding though. Seeing the big tree was nice but Kennedy Falls was really incredible. This hike is now one of my favs.

Posted: May 2, 2024 08:27:15 AM PST

Kat from Vancouver writes:

Such a beautiful trail! Went yesterday with my boyfriend and we had an absolute blast!
Definitely recommend waterproof shoes if you're going because theres a ton of water you walk through along the trail, which was one of my favorite parts. I'm more of a beginner hiker so the endurance was the challenging bit for me, and we definitely took lots of breaks on our way back. We were on trail for 6.5/7 hours total, including the breaks and stopping to have lunch at the falls. Definitely recommend!

Posted: January 8, 2024 09:59:23 PM PST

Klas from Malmö, Sweden writes:

Very well marked and easy accessible trail. I took the bus to EB McNair Dr @ Ramsay Rd and walken on the Baden Powell trail to mountain highway.

Coming from Europe, it's a very nice hike. Massive old stumps and it feels like you walked right into Jurrasic Park. The quality of the track is mixed but much better than I thought after reading the other reviews and the description. No dead trees to climb over, but at the occasional steep lace you have to balance yourself on the exposed roots.

Small patches of snow in the shadows but the track itself was mostly dry.

Posted: November 16, 2022 05:27:25 PM PST

Van from Vancouver writes:

These instructions need to be updated because they are horrible.
Beautiful hike! We tried following these and got lost for an hour. Actual instructions are very easy:

Walk up from parking lot, past outhouses and map. Turn right on “Cedar Creek trail”…. Follow the trail straight, past the bridge, veer right across the wooden bridge.

Follow orange trail markers and voila you’re there!

Posted: August 28, 2022 05:57:27 PM PST

ED from Vancouver writes:

Hiked on a dry Monday so not very busy or muddy. Plenty of parking still available at 10am. Unsure if the 3 hour time limit applied to both sides of the lot or just the one side, so we parked on the unmarked side and left a note stating we were hiking to Kennedy Falls and hoped to return within 3 hours.

Took 4 hours return at a somewhat leisurely pace, stops for pics, lunch at the falls. No crowds, no bugs. Lots of roots and rocks, but nice easy scenic hike in the shaded woods. The falls are a nice place to sit and enjoy a quiet break.

No ticket upon return to the vehicle :)

Posted: August 24, 2021 10:53:08 AM PST

Anne from Vancouver writes:

This trail is rugged, and at this time of year, very muddy. Be prepared to climb over and around things, and get dirty! Also know that there is no cell service. I attempted this as a trail run, but the mud, obstacles and slippery root system made it a slow go, and it took me 2.5 hours. Still well worth the trip! The falls are gorgeous, and (in my opinion) much more impressive than neighbouring Norvan Falls.

Posted: June 22, 2020 11:33:20 AM PST

Bhakti from Vancouver writes:

We completed this hike just last week. It took us about 4 hours- at an easy pace. The Mt. Fromme parking lot is closed but we were able to park on the street and walk up to the trail head.
Although the elevation gain isn't that high, the hike was definitely tough in parts with some steep climbs and technical areas. The falls at the end however are beautiful & totally rewarding!
Overall a well marked hike and great for a rainy day as you stay relatively dry under the forest cover.

Posted: June 1, 2020 10:19:20 AM PST

Ricardo from VANCOUVER writes:

I feel like there are some conflicting comments about the trail markings but I'd summarize it as: there are lots of markings, to the point where you can basically always see the next one from the last one, but the terrain lends itself to making a wrong turn at times so if you find you're unsure you're going the right way since you can't see a marker, go back to the last one and find the next one from there before proceeding.

Posted: September 2, 2019 10:15:44 PM PST

Riel from Vancouver writes:

A breathtaking hike, this one will surely blow you away with it's copious displays of homegrown B.C. beauty. Although treacherous, if you watch your step and take it slow, this hike is an exciting challenge. There are lots of roots and drops in the path, so be sure to wear your hiking boots. There were many fallen trees over top the trail, so you end up traversing under or over them often.
We arrived at the trail around 9AM so it was a nice serene and quiet experience. It is not busy here at all in the morning time, but picks up in the afternoon.

Big Cedar is worth the trek. Pictures don't do this massive tree justice...it made our group look like ants in comparison. The falls at the end are lovely, and if it's hot enough out, you should dip your feet in the blue-green pool at the bottom. I would recommend this hike to more experienced hikers. Walking briskly we were able to accomplish it in approximately 4 hours.

Posted: August 25, 2019 03:36:15 PM PST

Inge from Belgium writes:

Not an easy one, but definetely worth it! The description and comments are accurate. Lots of roots? Check! Crossing (dry) creeks? Check! Debris, stones, rocks and trees to climb over? Check! Beautiful forest, very quiet (on a tuesday), and breathtaking in every sense of the word. The tree was nice, but you definetely have to make the effort to go further, about 1 hour, to take some refreshment at the waterfall.
Make sure to bring enough water, on a summer day it’s a pretty sweaty trail, but you can refill your bottle at the waterfall.

Posted: August 6, 2019 05:33:27 PM PST

Jolene from Vancouver writes:

Wonderful hike! Some parts are pretty rugged, so make sure you pay attention to where you step. The falls are breathtaking and the woods are peaceful.

Posted: May 26, 2019 06:57:24 PM PST

Anna from Aldergrove writes:

Had a great time on this trail. It doesn’t gain much elevation, but the trail is undulating and doesn’t have many flat spots. There are a lot of roots (a lot) and a couple of steep parts, but we saw a few kids on the hike. There are a few creek crossings, as well. I felt that the trail was well marked by the orange diamond reflectors but you do have to keep your eye out for them as there are a couple parts that had me questioning. I would recommend doing this hike after there has not been much rain as the roots will be dry and the creeks just a trickle. It could see it being difficult if it was wet. The forest is beautiful, but if you don’t care for an all forest hike with just the waterfall, this hike might not be for you. We got to the trailhead by walking up past the bathrooms, following the gravel road up and through the gate, and eventually finding the trailhead on the right hand side after walking up the road for some time. It’s marked something like Cedar Trail. The bugs were bad in the parking lot but not on the trail. As of May 12, the gate closes at 8. The parking lot was full, but we quickly found a spot as someone was leaving. It’s an awesome snow free spring hike.

Posted: May 13, 2019 08:54:56 PM PST

Nevena from Vancouver writes:

Such a wonderful hike! After being turned around by a closed par gate a few weeks back, the park was finally open. We arrived at noon, and the parking lot was full. But we saw a queue of vehicles waiting, so we waited as well. After only 10 minutes, all of 5 or so vehicles waiting were able to get in and park, including us. Turns out, many bikers are there for a quick ride, and then are pulling out and leaving. So advice for you is: if the lot is full, don't leave. Wait a bit.

The trail is completely snow free. It is rugged. It's not an easy trail. There are many ups and downs, many creek crossings so you definitely need a waterproof pair of shoes, many roots and rocks. Not everyone can do this and be comfortable. And I'm saying this as an experienced hiker and mountaineer. It seems easy because it's only 150 m of elevation gain, but it's much more than that in terms of accumulation, because you lose elevation as soon as you gain it, and it doesn't even show.

The tree is incredible! No words to explain the beauty and size of it. The falls are much taller than I expected. The trail is very diverse, with terrain around you changing constantly. It's one of the best intermediate hikes in the North Van mountains, for sure.

Posted: March 28, 2019 06:24:13 PM PST

Nev from Vancouver writes:

Park was closed on Mar 10, 2019. Lots of snow everywhere.

Posted: March 10, 2019 01:03:49 PM PST

Aixa from Vancouver writes:

I went yesterday and the park was closed due to weather conditions. Locals advised me snow would be too deep and icy to make it, so I will go back another time. :(

Posted: March 2, 2019 02:48:59 PM PST

Monty from West van writes:

Hike is great. .will be doing it again however you will risk being towed for the parking is 3 hours and the hike is4 hours or more. .if u can find parking..very busy place

Posted: October 27, 2018 09:49:35 AM PST

Joe from Vancouver writes:

Did this today... 4 hours hiking with an hour break at the falls. Absolutely loved this hike. Lack of elevation gain offset by just the right amount of roots, rocks and deadfall to scramble over. A great day in the bush with a modest waterfall (in the summer) to make it worthwhile. Pretty busy to the tree and considerably less so to the falls. I think it would be even better in the fall with some mist and the creeks flowing...

Posted: September 2, 2018 10:25:40 PM PST

Diane from Surrey, BC writes:

How can you not give a beautiful hike in the mountains 5 stars? Having said that, this is a tough hike. I'm a casual hiker and this was one of the hardest ones I've done. Don't be fooled by the minimal elevation gain, there are a lot of tricky, steep ups and downs. There's a small rope climb area about mid-way, navigating a small but steep drop covered in tree roots making it tricky. There were a few spots where we needed to stop and catch our breath but we motored and finished just under 4 hours with a 20 minute stop at the falls. Hiked on Aug 18 and the falls were beautiful, clear, ice cold water. There's no way you could jump into the water, it's just way too cold. Also, they weren't rushing waters by any means but that's probably because of the time of year. Note that because we were drenched in sweat, it was quite chilly at the falls. We didn't see too many people; we figure only about 100 which is not busy at all relative to some other trails in N Van. Two days later and we're still sore! Will definitely do it again...next year.

Posted: August 20, 2018 10:19:56 AM PST

M from Vancouver writes:

Beautiful hike BUT the gate wasn’t opened til 640am !!!! It’s so frustrating to come right at 6 to avoid the crowd and have to wait 40 mins for someone to come. And also, it’s not 24/7. It opens at 6am and closes at 10pm!

Posted: August 19, 2018 04:35:45 PM PST

Lindsy from Burnaby writes:

Beautiful hike, but this post is to help others avoid searching the mountain bike trails for where this hike begins :)
Walk up the road towards the bathrooms. Walk past them, through the gate. Keep walking along the gravel road/path. You will see small trails going down into the forest on your right. Don't take them until you see the one that says "Cedar Tree Trail." Follow that one :)

Posted: July 22, 2018 06:06:26 PM PST

Nicole from Vancouver writes:

A really fun hike! Was there July 15, 2018. Lots of interesting terrain, some up and down, and a gorgeous waterfall at the end. And if you like to explore, the area around the waterfall is really fun :)

Posted: July 15, 2018 06:48:15 PM PST

Tiffani from Vancouver writes:

This is such a fun and beautiful hike. There is a lot of debris on this trail as it is not an official trail and not regularly maintained. If you have not been there before it can be difficult to find! If you see a trail head called Cedar Trail that is the start! Walk into that trail and it will take you to another handmade post that finally says BIG cedar trail. Access from the parking lot can be confusing so I would walk up the trail with the bikes. It is easy to get lost on the trail so follow the orange trail markers! Good luck

Posted: June 6, 2018 03:19:25 PM PST

Kara from Vancouver writes:

Great trail, interesting varied terrain with lots of big tree roots to clamber over. Hiked May 20th and it was a bit muddy in places but is well marked, took us 4.5 hours including a half hour stop at the falls (signs say 6 hours to Kennedy Falls but that’s not accurate). PARKING NOTE: they have a new 3 hour time limit in the lot. We took our chances (gone 4.5hrs) and thankfully didn’t get a ticket of tow but beware.

Posted: May 24, 2018 11:30:12 PM PST

Emma from Southampton writes:

Did this today and loved it. Even though it's a flattish walk in the woods, the rugged terrain made it interesting. Some sections were a bit of a puzzle to solve when deciding where to put my feet. Like others have said, it's a bit tricky to find: keep walking up the gravel path past the metal gate at the end of the car park, turn right at the "cedar trees" sign and keep going parallel to the main path along this smaller track (there's another warning sign a few minutes along on the correct trail).

It took me 4 hours from trailhead to trailhead, including about 30 minutes break. Don't be scared by the sign saying it's 6 hours - take your time on the rocky and steep bits.

Posted: May 17, 2018 12:38:12 AM PST

Rachel from Vancouver writes:

Based on the "(and soon to be new parking lot in late Spring of 2015)", I'm guessing that this post is several years old and I think there are now easier ways to get onto the trail. I ended up turning too soon and walking around on mountain biking trails for a ways and couldn't see the orange markers and it was a frustrating way to start the hike.

This is how I would describe to someone to find the trail:
1) Pass the gate and continue walking up the gravel road a ways until you see a trail on the right with a sign post that says "Big Cedar Trail" and has a green 'easy' circle underneath it. Turn right onto that trail.
2) Cross the bridge. The trail you're on will bend left and another trail will be right in front of you with a big yellow metal sign that says "Hikers Advisory." Walk down that trail.
3) From this point on there are orange reflective tiles on tree trunks and orange ties on trees to mark the path.

Another thing I wasn't expecting is, that while the overall elevation isn't too great, the trail has a lot of going up and down both going out and coming back (there are very few level walking areas and they felt heavenly after all the uneven footing). I found this hike a lot harder on my knees than I was expecting. This was also the rare trail on this site where I took longer than it predicted (it took me 5.5 hours to get to and from the gate).

Kennedy Falls was amazing and with the heavy, cold mist, I was really glad that I'd brought my raincoat with me as it allowed me to bask in the falls a lot longer. I enjoyed the falls even more than I thought I would!

I think I will enjoy this trail a lot more the next time now that I know what to expect. In addition to getting a bit turned around at the start, the transit directions did not make it clear how far a walk it was from the bus stop to the gate (Google thinks it's a 15 minute walk, and I usually walk at google pace, but took me about 25-30 minutes each way so walking along the side of road up and down a steep hill added an hour to my trip).

Posted: May 14, 2018 03:15:12 PM PST

Nilly from Delta writes:

This is probably the most well marked trail i’ve Ever been on, tons of red and highlighter pink markers everywhere so it’s hard to get lost and head in the wrong direction. We started the hike at 2pm, it took us exactly 2 hours there and 2 hours back with barely any stops. The trail is still incredibly muddy and wet so make sure you wear good shoes ! Also be aware that there are 7 large, wet, rocky creeks that you need to cross so be very careful and make sure not to slip on the rocks as you head across. There weren’t any mosquitos or wildlife spotted on the trail and we only passed 2 groups of people at the beginning but the rest of the trail was ours until the end. Make sure to bring a jacket because it gets really chilly near the falls but other than that it was a great hike and I would definitely do it again. There wasn’t too much incline but it’s definitely hard on the legs on your way back down.

Posted: April 24, 2018 10:24:53 PM PST

Karin from North Vancouver writes:

Did this hike over the Easter weekend but only to Big Cedar. Some of the creeks are quite full so make sure you have good waterproof boots. Poles would also be a great help. There is still some snow in areas but not much. There is very little elevation change on this hike. It is the terrain that makes it more difficult. If you don't like mud, climbing over/under trees and creek crossings, this is not the trail for you. If you don't mind those things, you will be greatly rewarded by Big Cedar and the beautiful falls at the end.

Posted: April 1, 2018 01:18:18 PM PST

Ian.calip from Coquitlam writes:

Did this trail earlier, March 30,2018. The trail is muddy and wet. Some parts of the trail has snow and slippery. I suggest bringing waterproof jacket and the use of waterproof shoes. Bring something to add traction on the snow too but not really a must.

Posted: March 30, 2018 07:31:02 PM PST

David from Vancouver writes:

Completed this trail on Dec 9. Conditions were pretty good considering the wet fall we've had. Only a couple of the creeks require some careful steps while crossing. There were some muddy trail sections but I finished the trail mostly clean and dry.

There was one section of trail that had me confused and others in the comments have also had this problem. After branching off from the big cedar tree the trail climbs and crosses a large landslide. Right after the landslide there is a slight fork where some markers go down and others go up. Make sure to go left and climb (you'll notice a tiny arrow on a marker pointing left).

Falls were beautiful but a little cramped, no easy spot to really picnic or anything.

Posted: December 11, 2017 12:25:01 PM PST

Kealy from Vancouver writes:

A few edits to my previous post just in case anyone is misled / put off:
- It turns out the trail to Kennedy Falls after Big Cedar is indeed shown on certain maps in the AllTrails app, just not the default one. Lesson learned to check all the map options.
- It took us more like an hour (not two) from Big Cedar to end up beside Lynn Creek.
- We rated it three stars given the wet conditions and how close we came to falling / twisting an ankle on wet, slick rocks and roots and steep sections. Poles would definitely have helped, and I'm sure had it not been raining we'd have rated it higher. So I'll average it out here with four stars.

Posted: November 14, 2017 04:05:44 PM PST

Kealy from Vancouver writes:

Quite a challenging trail through the forest, particularly when raining. Very muddy and full of slick, treacherous roots and rocks, boggy sections and a number of creek crossings (which I cannot imagine are passable in spring/early summer). At times it also became quite dark and dingy under the tree canopy. We really had to watch our footing at every step. I would not attempt this hike in the winter without waterproof gear and boots with excellent grip and ankle support.

Perhaps in part because of the conditions, we missed the discreet signage at the first creek crossing which indicates that Kennedy Falls is a 6 hour return. We were not expecting this, but fortunately we had come prepared regardless. Be aware.

We thought the trail was clearly marked, but didn't realise the significance of the markers turning from orange squares to flags and evidently took the wrong fork somewhere. 2 hours later, we found ourselves besides Lynn Creek after a particularly steep, challenging descent, and no waterfalls to be seen. With waders / waterproof boots and gaiters it would have been possible to cross the creek to the trails on the other side and return that way. We actually saw someone doing this. But in regular boots it was out of the question.

Inspecting Google Maps afterwards, we clearly went downwards when we should have gone up. The junction and the correct path to take was evidently easily missed in wet, gloomy conditions. Bring a detailed trail map if you can and check your GPS often. We had the AllTrails app and the trail beyond Big Cedar was not shown.

All that said, the Big Cedar was truly impressive, and if you enjoy a scrambling-type hike, this will be right up your alley. We'll definitely return to see the falls as they were recommended to us by several people on the trail.

Posted: November 12, 2017 06:36:25 PM PST

Carrie from Vancouver writes:

3 stars because man, driving to the trailhead was so confusing! Basically, instead of searching Kennedy Falls on Google Maps, search "Mount Fromme Parking Lot" instead. When you are close, there will be signs saying "no parking beyond this point". Ignore those because the parking lot is up ahead, and when it tells you to turn right just before the Mount Fromme sign, go straight towards the sign instead because the parking lot is beyond that (if you follow Google Maps with this last right turn, you will end up in a residential roundabout and Google will tell you you're at your destination!). Also if you make the mistake of searching Kennedy Falls on Google Maps, you will be taken down 7km of straight road with a speed bump every 100m. And I have no idea where you might end up.

Today's October 7th and there was quite a bit of rain yesterday in Vancouver. The trail when you start going up past the metal gate to the left of the outhouses, you want to stay on the right side of the trail so as to not miss it when there's a sign and a turn to the right for the Big Cedar Trail. It comes up pretty quick and we definitely missed it the first time. The trail is intermediate because it involves a lot of rugged terrain of roots, slippery wet rocks, very thin paths, squishy mud and puddles, small branches in your way, and a rope to help you down one steep section. It's Thanksgiving long weekend and we only saw about 6 people during this trek that took just over 3 hours. It's not popular, which is what makes it nice with the natural feel. There's not much to see between the trailhead and the big cedar, and then between that and the falls. The falls look like a nice little dipping spot if it was warmer. Beautiful falls for sure, and cool trees. It was a tiring hike and not super interesting aside from the fungus and snails you see along the way. Also woodpeckers were heard. I'm super happy we made it and had a great afternoon with this, but I wouldn't put this on my favourite hikes ever list.

Posted: October 7, 2017 11:43:16 PM PST

Ashley from Surrey, BC writes:

Really enjoyed the hike and the waterfall at the end was worth the workout. It was not too tough, but yet, not super easy either. We brought our 100lb lab though and there is one rope section that was very difficult with a dog of that size. If you can't lift your dog, it might be a challenge. Also, at this time of year, a lot of the creeks were dried out so make sure to bring extra water for your pet! Oh, and previous comment mentioned the 3 hour limit in the parking lot but we were parked slightly longer than that and had no issues!

Posted: September 7, 2017 05:04:01 PM PST

Kate from Van writes:

The waterfall at the end was really worth the hike!! Beautiful

Posted: August 16, 2017 09:31:52 PM PST

Eric from Richmond writes:

This is a great hike that definitely has more of a backcountry feel. The trail is rugged and technical and most of the time you will be quickly deciding where is the best spot to step. Wear shoes with good traction and and a strong core will definitely help. The trail rolls up and down and can be steep in short sections. It is a "moist" area with almost a rainforest feel. Not all rocks like many North Van trails but cushier soil almost like Coquitlam. All of this makes it feel like a very complete hike.
Kennedy Falls is another beautiful waterfall. We just seem to have so many. This one spreads wider than most and really puts on quite a show.
The trail markers are very good; at least once you get on the Big Cedar Trail. The previous poster Dan is bang on with his suggestion. Stay on old Mountain highway until Big Cedar turnoff. The directions on Vancouver Trails say to go on the mountain bike trails which is a bad idea. First, the signage is poor in regards to getting to Big Cedar and you will get lost which I did. And second, hikers and mountain bikes don't mix on very narrow single track. I stepped off to allow a bike to go over a narrow wooden bridge. I guess the biker felt rushed by me because she went fast, veered off the bridge, and crashed in relatively deep water. Must say, I felt quite bad.
Finally, if you are driving to this hike, you need to be aware of parking. If you are lucky enough to find a spot on the Mt. Fromme lot, it is only three hour parking. The entire Kennedy Falls hike can be done in under three hours but only if you are quick. I did see a car being towed when I was leaving so they are checking. The other option is to find street parking but parking anywhere even remotely close is capped at two hours so even worse.
Still, very worth it to make this hike work.

Posted: August 15, 2017 08:44:50 PM PST

Dan from Vancouver writes:

A group of three of us did this hike for the first time on August 12th. Great hike with varied, technical terrain through a forested canopy. More difficult than the description may make it seem, but still an intermediate trail. Trail was dry, very well marked with new, orange markers, with minimal muddy sections and easy to traverse creek crossings. No bugs at all, which was pleasantly surprising. Took us a little less than 2 hours to reach the Falls and just over 1 hour to return back to the gravel road. We kept a steady pace, with all three of us being fairly fit and experienced hikers. With a brief stop at Big Cedar and a stop for lunch and a dip at the Falls, our total time was 3.5 hours from the parking lot. Definitely be careful at the Falls, as my Salomons were no match for the slippery rocks and I took an unplanned splash in the water as we climbed down to our lunch spot! Also, we saw many small and bigger dogs on this trail, despite another comment indicating the opposite. Overall, a very satisfying hike, with both Big Cedar and the Kennedy Falls providing great payoffs, despite the lack of traditional North Shore views.

As for the directions, the first part of this write up is old and had us, and other hikers we spoke to, wandering for a bit before we found the correct trail. First, the starting point is at the "Fromme Mountain Parking Lot" (I believe the map is pinned at the old location, and the new parking lot is lower down) at the end of the Mountain Hwy. If you're taking the #210 bus, get off at the Coleman stop (the intersection of Coleman and Mountain Hwy) and continue walking straight up the gravel road until you reach the mountain biking parking lot. Stay to the upper section of the parking lot and go past the metal gate to the left of the outhouses and bike wash station, continuing STRAIGHT on the main gravel road, instead of heading right into the forest. This will help you avoid all the mountain bikers, as this first trail is essentially, a mountain biking trail. After a short time uphill (100-150m), look for a small sign post on your right, labeled "Big Cedar Trail". Enter the forest here, staying on this trail and following the orange markers and ribbons.

Posted: August 14, 2017 12:41:33 PM PST

Tombert Chen from Richmond writes:

Nice hike, the trail markers are much better this year. The trail is pretty dry for the most part. Not too many issues. The timing is good. If you scamper up the left side of the initial falls, you can get onto the dry platform between the main falls.... secondly, you can see another set of small falls up there as well.

Our group brought some swimwear and towels, so it was a nice treat to take a dip into the cold water! Very refreshing.

We were under the forest canopy the whole time, but with the 25 degrees... it was still pretty hot.

Enjoyable hike when there isn't a view on a mountain... because of the smoke haze.

Posted: August 9, 2017 08:20:46 PM PST

Diana from Vancouver writes:

Great hike, but ran into a snag when we got to the rope and our big dog could not find a path down. We also had someone who was unsure of using the rope. We split up into two groups and met for coffee after. Just letting you know, not a dog trail.

Posted: August 2, 2017 06:04:16 PM PST

Andy from Vancouver writes:

Just got back from this hike today. Really fun and interesting terrain - lots of tree stumps, logs and rocks to navigate, and one fairly easy steep section with a rope to assist. No sustained sections of climbing to worry about, but it was still really wet and muddy even after the month of minimal rain we've had recently. At times of the year when rainfall is more significant this might be a very different hike.

Someone (I assume NSR) has done a fantastic job marking the trail - there are plenty of orange diamonds and ribbons the entire way now. I'm guessing this has been a recent addition based on previous comments from people saying they had some trouble. Whoever did this recent trail maintenance deserves much credit - at no point did we feel like we weren't sure where we were going, and there were no obstacles that really held us back for long. You still need to pay attention of course because the actual trail gets a little vague at points, but at those sections there are an abundance of markers if you're looking.

Definitely recommend this hike for anyone who wants more than a casual wander down an easy path, but doesn't want to have to deal with long sustained climbs and descents. Not really any viewpoints at all along the way, but that's not really the point of this one I think. Hiking poles definitely made this a lot easier, and good waterproof boots with ankle support are a must. We were out and back in 5.5 hours, with decent breaks and not going at a cracking pace.

Posted: July 20, 2017 09:17:35 PM PST

Olivia B from Vancouver writes:

Just did this hike yesterday and it was a little muddy. Would definitely recommend boots because of the mud, roots and rocks you have to scramble over during the hike but trainers would be ok. A lot of water coming off the falls so they were beautiful, made the rocks below very wet. We came started from the bus stop at McNair Drive, cross the road and follow the path up to the Baden Powell trail, turn right then first left on the Lower Griffin MB trail. Keep on the Lower Griffin all the way up to you get to a wide flat gravel path and turn right. About 5 mins from there you'll see a TH on the right with a big yellow sign warning hikers that you are leaving Lynn Headwaters park, this is the start of Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls. Probably took us 5 hours total with a break at Big Cedar and another at the falls for lunch return from the bus stop.

Posted: June 12, 2017 03:51:08 PM PST

Graham from Vancouver writes:

Pretty nice hike if you can find a place to park. The parking lot at the TH is a recent addition but it fills up fast and early. I've averaged one out of four successful attempts to park there and I'm an early riser. The next closest parking is way down the road and you'll be walking uphill for a kilometer on the road as there are no sidewalks to shield you from the traffic. The irony is, there is plenty of vacant street parking close by but the district of NV has made that all permit parking only.

However, its an easy to follow trail all the way to the falls and a nice little workout too. You will share the first 20-30 minutes of the trail with mountain bikers so be mindful your dog if it tends to run ahead.

Posted: June 9, 2017 02:26:16 PM PST

crossover from Vancouver, BC writes:

Thanks to the comments on this site, we didn't turn right into the trails after passing the gate. Instead we walked up the service road and within 15-20 mins, there is a sign that says "Big Cedar Trail" on the right hand side. This is the trail head.

Overall the trail is definitely a more technical (comparing to Norvan Falls) with lots of mud, small creeks (some scrambling involved), fallen trees and tree roots. Hiking boots, poles and gaiters are highly recommended. Trail was quiet and peaceful when we started at 8:30am (the parking lot was almost full though). It got a lot busier around noon -- we bumped into at least 20-30 other hikers on our way back. Kennedy Falls was beautiful and the Big Cedar was spectacular to look at. Nice day out indeed.

Posted: June 4, 2017 08:09:18 PM PST

ANTHONY MAW from VANCOUVER, CANADA, EARTH, SOLAR SYSTEM, MILKY WAY GALAXY..... writes:

The trailhead can be a little confusing to find: At the very top of Mountain Highway as far as you can drive (but can't park) there is a mountain bikers rendezvous spot with outdoor toilets. You have to walk up the gated off Mountain Highway road about and watch out for the sign that says "Big Cedar" which takes about an hour to get to the Big Cedar tree and from there it's about another hour to the Kennedy Falls. The trail is extremely muddy. There are numerous shallow creek crossings that you can carefully tiptoe through. Lots of up and down trail hiking you get a great workout. It is best to wear waterproof boots, gaiters and have a hiking pole. IMHO Kennedy Falls itself is somewhat unspectacular once you find it. Lots of urban yahoos seem to do the trail wearing tennis shoes and they try to avoid the wet spots by going around them which only makes the mud holes bigger as they stomp dead the surrounding vegetation. Great after-lunch hike it can be reasonably done in 4 to 6 hours round trip. Note that the North Van parking lot is now restricted to 3 hours and street parking on Mountain Highway residential area for about a kilometre around the trailhead is limited to 2 hours. You can take transit the #210 bus goes up Mountain Highway get off at the last stop at the top of the hill before the bus turns.

Posted: May 15, 2017 05:09:55 PM PST

Jack Roe from Vancouver writes:

A lot of fun---Big Cedar Tree is a great destination, but Kennedy Falls is also pretty skookum. But I don't know how anyone could get lost---I mean, it is one big mudhole almost the entire way there, at least to Big Cedar, not sure about Kennedy Falls this year, have not gone that far yet.

But the SAR fellow is right: even if you're just going out for a 'short hike," it's important to carry the proper gear. Today, I would say that half of the people I saw had no pack. Rather than spend two million on that useless road into Lynn Headwaters (it's much nicer now that the road is closed, I think! fewer cars!) that money should be spent creating a trail that goes to Kennedy Falls, then crosses Lynn Creek and links back up. That would be a much better investment!

Posted: April 30, 2017 09:56:58 PM PST

John Blown from North Vancouver writes:

Hello from North Shore Rescue - PLEASE READ!
Over the last few months we have had 3 rescues on this trail. All parties got off the trail, became lost and needed to be rescued. PLEASE carry a map, a GPS (many smart phones have offline GPS capability), compass, flashlight, extra clothing, rain jacket, and wear rugged hiking boots. This trail is very very muddy.

PLEASE watch where you are going VERY carefully and follow the trail markers. If you look down and are not paying attention you WILL PROBABLY GET LOST and NEED TO BE RESCUED.

Have fun and be safe!

www.northshorerescue.com

Posted: April 24, 2017 12:18:48 PM PST

Charmaine from Vancouver writes:

Ran into North Shore SAR on Easter Monday (2017). They've added trail markers all the way to the falls. Now it's super easy to follow the correct trail.

Posted: April 19, 2017 02:14:15 PM PST

Steve from Port Moody writes:

As of yesterday, all the blowdown is clear. A group of 4 with three chainsaws spent the day clearing the trail. It's still really wet and swampy, but it's a lot more civilised now!

Posted: April 17, 2017 09:37:47 AM PST

Bucky Goldstien from Van writes:

Did this hike on Good Friday 17 and loved every minute despite the massive hailstorm that lasted for the majority of our return trip. It is a rugged trail this time of year that was mostly ankle deep mud and unstable tree roots with many many streams to cross adding to it's beauty. The big Cedar is a reminder of what once was on our coast and remains an awesome sight, but the true reward is the spectacular Kennedy falls at the end of the trail. If a visit to this site doesn't make you appreciate the beauty of where we are fortunate to live, I don't know what will. A big thanks to those that created and maintain the trail, and to those that have the respect to keep it clean.

Posted: April 15, 2017 08:12:35 AM PST

Christina from Vancouver writes:

Did this hike last weekend on Sunday. Beautiful hike, lots of small waterfall crossings, although very muddy and partially still snowy, which made it a bit difficult in runners. I'd definitely recommend good boots for this one. Time estimate pretty accurate if you don't spend a lot of time at the tree or the falls. Overall, really worth it!

Posted: April 7, 2017 11:45:06 AM PST

Lindsey from Vancouver writes:

Did this hike today, a nice cloudy/sunny Saturday after a very rainy week. Very fun to hike--lots of roots, rocks, creek crossings and logs to balance on. Keeps in interesting. Waterproof boots required to do this comfortably right now (much of the trail is either mud or a stream), and you'll probably get your hands a bit dirty as well.

Most of the snow is gone, but there are certain stretches of a few hundred metres at different parts throughout that are still covered in snow. It's starting to get soft and slushy, microspikes won't be very helpful. The danger comes from the fact that this quite thin crust (less than half a meter in most spots) is often unsupported underneath, so if it doesn't hold your weight, your whole leg can break through the crust and to the ground below it. It's a bit unnerving. Be cautious.

There is a sign at the big tree that says that the trail on to Kennedy Falls in unmarked and treacherous. We had no issues finding our way from this point on, there were fewer official orange tree markers, but plenty of ribbons to keep you on track. It did not seem particularly more difficult than the previous stretch of trail.

Posted: March 25, 2017 07:38:30 PM PST

Sophie from Vancouver writes:

Anyone gone up recently since February? Planning to go next week, wondering if crampons still needed or just shoes that can withstand mud.

Posted: March 10, 2017 03:36:19 PM PST

Shalana from North Vancouver writes:

We did this trail February 17. The directions above are very poor - we got lost several times and nearly everyone we encountered were also lost. The first half of the trail was muddy but decent, the second half was snow covered - would suggest having microspikes on hand.

Posted: February 19, 2017 09:24:31 AM PST

Nic from Delta writes:

Hike to Big Cedar on Sunday Nov 6. Trail was very muddy. Nice day in the woods. Be aware there is new parking restrictions in the new parking lot restrict parking to 3 hours. Talked to some of the mountain bikers and they said they do ticket. We had to park further down and then walk up.

Posted: November 7, 2016 05:41:04 PM PST

Wayne Gretzky from Surrey writes:

DO NOT listen to the directions provided in the description for this hike. Turning into the forest 10 metres after the metal gate will lead you down mountain bike trails. It may eventually lead to Big Cedar trail but we got lost twice following the directions as closely as possible and wasted around 45 minutes! Instead, continue to walk up the service road until you see the sign on your right saying something along the lines of Big Cedar Trail or Cedar Tree Trail. After that, continue to follow the route with the pink/orange markers, and you should be fine.

The hike itself was really fun, nearly no elevation but pretty technical as you're constantly walking over roots and rocks, and going over/under fallen trees. Took us an hour and a half to reach Big Cedar, and about an hour and fifteen minutes on the way back. Did not go to Kennedy falls as we were running short on time and thought it would not be running very strong as it is August. The Big Cedar tree is absolutely remarkable.

Posted: August 29, 2016 01:32:27 PM PST

Sean from Vancouver writes:

Did this hike on June 11th, a slightly overcast day, but perfect for hiking. The parking lot at Mountain Highway is completed and fills up quickly in the summer as we found out. With the parking restrictions, we ended up adding an extra km as we found a spot closer to the bottom of the hill. I'd recommend either getting there early (i.e. well before 10am) or parking in Lynn Headwaters and taking the Baden Powell trail over - a nice little jaunt (this also gives you the option of crossing Lynn Creek and taking Cedar Mills trail back to your car, which is a nice way to avoid a full out-and-back).

I really like this hike - not nearly as crowded as others in the North Shore, especially considering the payoff at the end. The amount of deadfall and muddy bits might keep folks at bay, but the waterfall at the end is absolutely gorgeous, especially if you hit the trail after a rainfall like we had. Big Cedar is gorgeous, and feels out of place in the second growth forest. Great place to stop and have a quick snack. Earlier in the year, you'll want something warm to put on at the falls - it can really cool down with the mist/breeze off the falls. Outside of the deadfall, the trail is well marked and easy to follow. Good day hike, especially while waiting for the higher elevations to become snow-free.

Posted: July 26, 2016 12:42:02 PM PST

Sarah from Langley writes:

Just did the hike to Kennedy falls this morning. Took myself and a friend a total of 4hrs round trip. This includes a small stop for pictures at the big cedar tree, a 2 min stop and a lunch stop at the falls. The trail itself was quite muddy in a lot of spots, I would definitely recommend waterproof Hiking boots! There are many deadfalls to climb over and duck under. Once you pass the Kirkford junction the trail is well marked with pink and orange ribbon. You will have to look for the ribbons though as they will be on branches, around trees and also around logs on the ground. Make sure to bring lots of water, if you run out you can always fill up at a good flowing Creek(you will cross many!). The falls themselves are amazing! We had lunch under/beside a rock cliff that has a great view of the falls and also kept us from getting more wet from the mist and rain.

Posted: July 19, 2016 07:06:13 PM PST

SatahS from Langley writes:

Just did the hike to Kennedy falls this morning. Took myself and a friend a total of 4hrs round trip. This includes a small stop for pictures at the big cedar tree, a 2 min stop and a lunch stop at the falls. The trail itself was quite muddy in a lot of spots, I would definitely recommend waterproof Hiking boots! There are many deadfalls to climb over and duck under. Once you pass the Kirkford junction the trail is well marked with pink and orange ribbon. You will have to look for the ribbons though as they will be on branches, around trees and also around logs on the ground. Make sure to bring lots of water, if you run out you can always fill up at a good flowing Creek(you will cross many!). The falls themselves are amazing! We had lunch under/beside a rock cliff that has a great view of the falls and also kept us from getting more wet from the mist and rain.

Posted: July 19, 2016 07:04:54 PM PST

Jeremi from Surrey writes:

Trail marks can be pretty confusing for people that just started going on hikes. If you manage to plow through the muddy and wet ground and fallen trees, you will be rewarded with a great view of the falls.

Be careful on your way back because there are markers that lead you to another area that has a river(not sure what it's called) and it can be a pain to have to go down a big hill only to go back up again after finding out that it does not lead to an exit.

Could've easily completed the trail in around 4 hours but ended up doing ~16km in 6 hours instead cause we got lost one too many times.

Posted: July 17, 2016 02:04:29 AM PST

Myra from Langley writes:

Another quiet trail if you like solitude. The trail going to the Big Cedar is fairly easy. It's amazing to know how nature can be older than our grandparents' grandparents' grandparents'. Just another marvelous creation to ponder on. We got lost from the Big Cedar going to the Kennedy Falls. Going to Kennedy Falls is where the more strenuous climb started. But it's all worth it once we got to the falls. The trail is an awesome back country hike.

Posted: June 25, 2016 02:57:46 PM PST

Kris from Surrey writes:

Did this trail on June 17th. The trail to big cedar was confusing, took a wrong turn to the right at a junction but luckily some local hikers accompanied us to big cedar. From there, the trail is a little tricky to follow with pink and orange ribbons as your only guide to Kennedy falls. Numerous deadfall and small creeks along the way, quite the muddy trail as well but I believe Kennedy falls was worth all the trouble. Be careful on your way back as we followed the pink and orange ribbons that led us to the bottom of lynn creek and we had to cross it to third debris chute on the other side of the valley in lynn headwaters regional park. Make sure to follow the trees with yellow markers going back to avoid reenacting scenes from the Revenant.

Posted: June 18, 2016 09:58:27 PM PST

JK from Vancouver writes:

We did this trail on May 21 and found it quite wet, muddy and slippery. But the falls are stunning and it's worth going up the ledge on the left for a closer look. We took a wrong turn at the beginning and ended up at the bottom of a mountain biking trail but another hiker kindly pointed us back in the right direction. We had a larger group of 6 and it took us 5 hours total, including the detour and a 30 min lunch break. Would do again but only in warmer dry weather.

Posted: June 17, 2016 10:33:44 PM PST

Carol from Vancouver writes:

Did this hike today and it was very muddy & slippery. Took us 1h15m to get to big cedar and then about 45 min until Kennedy falls. The trail to the falls was hard to follow but the return markers were much easier. Expect to get dirty and cross some steep sections but it's worth it. We were pretty much alone on the way there only coming across a handful of hikers but the trail became much busier on our way back with hikers making their way to the falls. We started at 10am and the parking lot was full. We were lucky to grab a spot as someone was heading out.

Overall great hike! Don't wear your new shoes ;)

Posted: June 13, 2016 12:12:38 AM PST

Lynn from Vancouver writes:

It was a very slippery trail. 95% of the trail consisted of mud, and the other 5% was occupied by rocks and debris. I don't think it's worth it to go through all that for the waterfall. There are plenty of other nicer trails that provide gorgeous waterfalls as well; without the slipping and sliding. The big cedar was interesting to see though.

Posted: June 11, 2016 10:05:27 PM PST

Carrie from Vancouver writes:

The directions in the trail description were confusing, I ended up at the bottom of a mountain biking trail. Just follow the service road straight until you see the sign for Big Cedar Trail.

If you turn right within the first few metres as indicated, you will miss the sign for big cedar and get confused (as I was).

Fun hike, tried to do it after work but had to run back because of the gate closing time. We didn't see anyone else on the trail! (Probably because it was so late in the day...)

Posted: June 10, 2016 11:53:27 AM PST

John Soanes from Langley writes:

Did this today in just under 4 1/2 hours. Nice that the parking lot is now operational. It was fairly muddy with lots of slippery roots. The falls are frantic -- see them now as they will be down to a trickle within a couple of months.

The trail is well marked and the TH easy to find. Head up the road beyond the gate and pit toilets and you will see the sign on the right less than 1 KM away.

Posted: June 4, 2016 12:26:19 AM PST

Sarah from Vancouver writes:

We did this hike on May 23/16 - it was a little confusing to find the trail at the beginning but us and another group figured it out. It seems busy enough that someone would be around to ask. The trail going to the falls is marked with orange flagging tape. Only on the way back did we see the yellow tree markers. It was a great hike! Very rooty and rocky and the rocks are slippery but not too difficult to get around. Not good for small children, but old than 10 should be ok. Took our dog (border collieX) and it was no problem for her - lots of water around too. Small dogs might get tired really fast however. It took us 4 hours return (not including lunch break), and according to my GPS watch was 11km. No views but the forest is beautiful!!

Posted: May 24, 2016 04:43:22 PM PST

Jake from Burnaby writes:

If anyone happens to find a GoPro type camera made by Turnigy on the bottom of Kennedy creek somewhere, please shoot me an email. [email protected] Thanks.

Posted: May 12, 2016 05:04:35 PM PST

Juliana from Port Moody writes:

Overall a great hike! The parking lot was filled by 10 am when we got there and we had to park quite few blocks away from the start where it was permissible without a permit. The description on this site was good and helpful. The only difference would be the start of the hike - simply follow the gravel path till you see the sign "Big Cedar Trail" - much more simple. There were heaps of people this past Sunday (May 1), but the trail didn't feel crowded. As well, there were quite a few dogs on the trail, not recommended if you are afraid of dogs.

Posted: May 3, 2016 07:12:58 PM PST

Hilary from New Westminster writes:

Hiked the trail today. The big cedar is very impressive as are Kennedy Falls. Definitely worth doing for a more challenging but similar hike to Lynn Loop over in the much busier Lynn Headwaters. The parking lot at the foot of this hike is great. We did find the times and distances were off a bit. Only took 1h15 to get to the Cedar at a slow to medium pace, but took another 45-55 min to get to the falls. My Garmin GPS says all told we hiked 13 km (with a slight detour), so it seems this hike is a little longer than is listed on this site. Anyway, as other comments have said, the trail is wet and very muddy. We found it fairly easy to follow. Very worth if if you like waterfalls.

Posted: April 24, 2016 12:40:11 AM PST

Mike from Vancouver writes:

Did this hike yesterday April 2nd. Beautiful day weather wise.

Parked at Lynn headwaters and walked up the Baden Powell stairs to mountain highway, cool if you want the extra exercise, but not needed.

A bit muddy in parts but nothing to really worry about. When you make it to the big cedar you are about 45mins - 1hrs from the falls.

Overall a pretty fun hike.

Posted: April 4, 2016 08:34:41 AM PST

Chris from Vancouver writes:

Unfortunately this trail seems to be getting more traffic. I hiked it a few times in 2015 and always saw fewer than 10 people (even on the nicest weekend days). However yesterday (Saturday), I ran into over 50 different people on the trail. Some of the technical sections and creek crossings even had lineups forming. In many sections, it is a narrow trail, so finding places to pass was difficult. I would recommend this as a weekday hike, however if you are looking for a relaxing weekend hike, search elsewhere!

Posted: April 3, 2016 05:59:19 PM PST

Chantelle from North Vancouver writes:

Hiked this on Sunday in the rain. Made it as far as Big Cedar - first time trying this trail. We loved it! Lots of interesting bits for the dog, fairly muddy but manageable. Definitely lots of branches down to negotiate around but not impassable. The creeks were okay too. Will be doing this one again all the way to Kennedy Falls next time.

Posted: March 21, 2016 01:58:02 PM PST

Raerae from Abbotsford writes:

Did this hike on March 15th in the miserable pouring rain - also got hailed on for a large portion of it as well! I had done this hike previously in the summer and it is a really great hike. However, the conditions at this present time are not ideal. Since we have had two major windstorms lately, there are fallen trees and massive amounts of debris at every turn. I thought the creek crossings might be difficult but those were all pretty manageable. The trail to the Big Cedar tree does have a lot of debris but the majority of it was on the way to Kennedy Falls. Closer to the falls, the original trail is almost impossible to follow. It has been redirected up and around the debris but the pathway is quite fragile and it's quite a feat to get to the viewing spots. We had come so far, we wanted to finish it off but it was definitely a hard go. Hopefully the trail gets cleaned up in the next couple of months but I would say until that point, maybe avoid going all the way to the waterfalls.

Posted: March 18, 2016 04:28:50 PM PST

Jason from Vancouver writes:

@John Kennedy Lake is a watershed and provides drinking water to the Vancouver area. Swimming is NOT permitted in the lake.

Posted: February 12, 2016 02:55:11 PM PST

John from Texas writes:

Can u hike down to kennedy lake and swim in it?

Posted: February 12, 2016 03:10:53 AM PST

Peter from Vancouver writes:

It was great today, bluebird day - we only went to the Big Cedar and it took an hour and six minutes. Then we walked down to the river where there was still some snow because the cold breeze off the river keeps it from melting. There are multiple fallen trees and one semi-confusing section where we almost went straight instead of turning right.

It took us one hour flat to get back to the top of mountain highway. (We forgot that the parking lot beyond the gate was finished!).

These times were achieved hiking quickly.

You could probably get to the Big Cedar in 25-30 mins if you ran the whole way.

Posted: February 10, 2016 01:25:17 AM PST

ShyBoy from Calgary writes:

Did this hike today. The falls are amazing! The trail was pretty muddy, some snow at points and several fallen trees to navigate. I would highly recommend this hike. Took us almost exactly 4 hours.

Posted: February 8, 2016 04:57:45 AM PST

David from Vancouver writes:

Did this trail yesterday. Got a little confused over the signage - the trick is to go to the right at the junction of the Cedar and Kirkford bike trails. There is a sign at the junction, but it doesn't indicate the Big Cedar / Kennedy Falls trail.

Otherwise the trail is fairly easy to follow if you look out for the ribbons. There are a few tough areas to get through due to patches of snow, and a few windfalls to bypass, but if you have a proper pair of boots it's not too hard.

Posted: January 16, 2016 02:28:10 PM PST

cgwyer from Delta writes:

Has anyone got feedback on doing this hike in January? How are the conditions?

Posted: January 10, 2016 11:29:38 PM PST

Megan from Vancouver writes:

LOVED this hike! Went Sunday mid-morning and it was silent on my way there, only ran into a few people on the way back.

Instructions on the website are easy to follow and accurate.

Trail has few ups and downs but no real segments of noteworthy elevation gain or loss. Took my small dog here and he loved it - lot's of fallen trees, roots, stumps etc to keep him interested. Not too challenging but enough to keep it interesting.

Parking lot is open! Room for quite a few cars there.

Highly recommend!

Posted: August 19, 2015 08:41:07 PM PST

Chista from Vancouver writes:

Did the first part of this hike - only to the big cedar - yesterday (Aug 16, 2015). While there isn't much total elevation gain, there is a fair bit of up and down in the trail, many creek crossings, lots of deadfall to climb over, making this a more rugged hike. If it's been raining, proper hiking shoes are definitely needed. Even in this summer's heat, the trail keeps you cooler since you are in the woods almost the entire time. The trail does get harder (more rugged with more frequent creek crossings and up/downs) as it goes on.

The trail is marked by pink ribbon. On the way back, there are yellow markers on the trees, but the pink ribbon is more frequently placed and easily spotted. Some of the creek crossings can be a bit confusing but look up and down the other side for the pink ribbon and you'll find the trail.

The Big Cedar is quite a site and really stands out against all the other trees. We stopped here for lunch, which was a nice break after the last 20 mins of the trail. Someone in our group hurt their knee on of the descents heading to the Big Cedar so we decided to head back. Will have to do this hike again to see Kennedy Falls. Even with the injury which happened about 3/4 of the way to the Big Cedar, it took an hour and 45 mins to get to the Big Cedar and only an hour and 15 mins to get back to the parking lot. Overall, a very nice hike; good workout with good views.

Posted: August 17, 2015 10:06:27 AM PST

Downhilljill from North Vancouver writes:

I try to do this trail every year in late summer, when Lynn Creek water levels are low. We park in Lynn Headwaters and hike up the Baden Powell Trail and bike trails until we find the bridge at the trail head. On our return, we always head down to cross the creek and return along the flat and easy Headwaters path. It's far better marked now than when I first found this trail about 5 years ago. I never knew there were falls above, only Kennedy Lake which is in watershed area. Will have to check that one out! FYI, the creek crossing will bring you just north of the Cedar Mills site on the Headwaters Trail, about 2.5 km from the parking.

Posted: July 26, 2015 10:46:55 PM PST

Peter from Surrey writes:

Hiked this trail yesterday (July 2nd) in the 30 degree heat. It was somewhat cooler in the forest, but still made for a hot day with lots of water needed! We started from the Lynn Headwaters parking lot, taking the Baden-Powell stairs up to Mountain Hwy. Once there, we got a bit confused by all the construction going on, but some folks working on what looked to be mountain bike jumps gave us great directions. The parking lot at the top of Mountain Hwy looks like its nearly done, but don't quote me on that!

I think this trail was probably the most peaceful hike I've ever done; we didn't see anyone else on the trails aside from one lady on the Baden-Powell stairs. We made it to Big Cedar in just under 2 hours, based on starting from Lynn Headwaters. From there we continued on to Kennedy Falls (another 45 minute trek), which was spectacular. We spent a good 30 minutes at the falls dipping our feet in the pools and wading around, enjoying the cool, refreshing water.

Once done at the falls, we returned to Big Cedar and followed a steep trail down to Lynn Creek. The creek was quite low and picking our way across was easy and no one got wet feet. Returning to the car via the Cedar Mills trail made for quick work and a welcome reprieve from the over/under/around we were doing on the other side.

Posted: July 3, 2015 09:22:16 AM PST

Herman from Vancouver writes:

Did this hike on June 21 on a sunny day. Great hike with tons of obstacles and a beautiful waterfall at the end. Lots and lots of fallen trees (lost count of them) and some very steep (but short) terrain, so proper hiking shoes are a must. The trail is generally well marked with ribbons but there are a few places that got quite confusing. The big cedar tree was enormous! Makes a great spot for lunch. You will be inside forest 95% of the time so get there early or else it gets really dark on your way back. I wish we left a little earlier (got to the trailhead around 1pm) as by the time we got to the waterfall (4pm), the sun was behind the falls which made it really hard to photograph as the entire fall was in the shade, so get there early. The waterfall itself was very pretty, looks like a mini version of the Bridal Veil Falls in Chilliwack. Water was cold though so unless it’s a really hot day it may be chilly to swim in. It took us 3 hours to get in (with lunch stop at the tree) and 2 hours getting out. Overall it’s not particularly difficult just lots of potential pitfalls due to the amount of fallen trees and slippery/muddy forest floor - my girlfriend slid on a rock and scraped her shin by a small branch that stuck out of the ground :( Overall, a great day hike with a good amount of cardio, with very little traffic (we saw a total of 16 people and we were the only and last ones at the fall).

Posted: June 21, 2015 09:29:24 PM PST

John Soanes from Langley writes:

Fabulous hike, lots of obstacles to make it interesting. Our route started from Headwaters Baden Powell TH; connecting via the Griffen switchbacks (bike) trail. Fabulous day and we had the place pretty much to ourselves. We encountered only four cyclists and nine hikers during the entire hike.

For our return we took the trail just below the big cedar and crossed Lynn Creek onto the Cedar Mills Trail (at about the 3.5 KM point. The creek was easy to cross with water volumes way down. Kennedy Falls was also quite tame for this time of year -- still a beautiful spot.

Our GPS recorded our route at 11.7 KM and 300m vertical. We were 4 1/2 hours with a stop at the Big Cedar and a lunch stop at Kennedy Falls.

Hikers we spoke to said the parking lot was not completed.

Posted: June 17, 2015 05:33:25 PM PST

Mark from Vancouver writes:

can anyone confirm if the parking lot at the top of mountain highway is complete?

Posted: June 17, 2015 09:31:34 AM PST

Luc from Coquitlam writes:

Hiked this on May 20th. We parked at Lynn headwaters and made our way up the BP and Griffen trails to get to the Big Cedar trail stopping at the tree on our way to the falls. Nice Hike, fairly well marked and yes a bit of dead fall but really not that bad and especially given the time of year. Completely worth doing for a shorter half day hike. On the way back we followed markers below the Big Cedar tree to cross Lynn Creek and return via Cedar Mills trail.

Posted: May 21, 2015 11:03:18 AM PST

Allyssa from Vancouver writes:

There were at least 15-20 fallen trees that we had to climb over/under on the trail. The falls were beautiful, but for the amount of effort that was put in, I probably would have chosen another hike.

Posted: February 25, 2015 09:11:06 PM PST