Cypress Falls

Cypress Falls is the perfect hike to do during the winter months when other trails at higher elevations are buried under snow. Just a short walk takes you through a dense forest full of old Cedar and Douglas Fir trees while following Cypress Creek up past two beautiful waterfalls.

From the parking lot, walk past the outhouse and towards the trail that heads into the forest. Go left and walk towards the sound of rushing water as the trail gradually makes its way uphill. A few steps from the parking lot, you arrive at the first junction. Continue to your left, as later, we will return along the other trail on the way back.

The hiking trail winds through forests of Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar trees covered in moss from the moist environment. Just a little further along the trail and at the bottom of a short hill is a viewpoint of the lower Cypress Falls from a rocky viewing area. Stop to take in the rushing water as it flows over the edge and drops into the canyon below.

Continue along the trail towards the wooden bridge up ahead. Later we will cross the bridge but first continue up the steep section of the trail as it follows alongside the creek towards the upper falls. Fallen trees and stumps alongside the trail play an important role in replenishing the forest as new growth can be seen sprouting from the dead wood.

Continue up the steep hill until you reach a chain-link fence with a large warning sign on it. This is the border of Cypress Falls Park and beyond this point belongs to a development company, which allows hikers to use their land. Continue past the fence and uphill, as it's only a short distance to the upper falls.

As the sound of rushing water grows louder, watch for the waterfall up ahead to your right. From the viewing area, the upper falls can be seen dropping into the canyon below. Do not venture too close to the edge of the cliff as the loose dirt may be unstable and could give way from the weight of someone walking on it.

Once you have taken in the upper falls, head back down the hill, passing through the fence, and eventually arriving back at the wooden bridge. This time, cross the wooden bridge and walk up the short, steep path on the other side. As the trail levels out, you will find yourself in the middle of a grove of large Cedar and Fir trees, some of which are 200 to 300 years old. Most areas of the North Shore have been logged in the last 100 years, so seeing and comparing old growth trees with second generation growth can be breathtaking.

After enjoying the trees, walk back downhill towards the wooden bridge and after crossing it, go left past the viewing area of the lower falls where you stopped earlier. Walk up the short hill and just as you reach the top, a small trail appears on the left side. Follow this trail as it takes you to a second viewing area with a wooden railing and an alternate vantage point of the lower falls.

After enjoying the view, continue along the path with the wooden railing as it weaves along the side of a steep cliff and eventually meets back with the main trail. At the intersection, go left and in a couple of minutes, you arrive back at the parking lot where you began your hike.