Summary:

Length: 15.70km
Elevation gain: 400m
Time: 4h total
Starting point: Lynn Headwaters Entrance Parking lot

I could not wait to get back out hiking in 2023! With the rainy first few weeks we had in Vancouver, Norvan Falls was a perfect way to get back on the trail. My #1 takeaway from this hike? Wear waterproof shoes!

In terms of elevation, this trail is really easy. You’ll hardly notice the 400m spread across more than 7 kilometres. The trail itself is also pretty flat and wide. The tricky parts are crossing the numerous rapid-flowing creeks (not quite 1000, but enough that I lost count). These require stepping on potentially loose or slippery rocks and leaping over completely submerged parts of the path. There were only 1 or 2 creeks where I was genuinely concerned about falling in, otherwise, they are pretty fun to cross! 

If you didn’t get your shoes wet in the creek crossings, then you will in the 2nd half of the hike. Some parts of the rocky path were flooded with flowing water, from a few millimetres to centimetres in some parts. We avoided some of this by walking on the side of the trail. The flooded sections might be a seasonal issue and I’d be curious to see what the trail looks like in the summer.

The view of the falls at the end is spectacular! It is a majestic and powerful waterfall. We climbed across a few fallen logs to get a better view, and ate lunch on the shore. It’s a great spot to take some photos. 

If you have a little extra time, take a left at the Norvan Falls trail split and walk 100 metres. You’ll see a suspension bridge! We walked across it and stood in the middle, admiring the creek below. 

Overall, this hike was low effort and high reward. It can get a little busy, but the trail is long enough that people spread out. Go out and adventure to the waterfall!