Comments

J D from Vancouver writes:

Hiked July 9, 2022. Great hike but busy. The parking lot was full when we arrived just before 11am and had to find street parking, which added a lot of distance to our hike. The trail was great though, a few muddy sections but really in good condition.

Posted: July 9, 2022 10:05:06 PM PST

Pete from Vancouver writes:

Does anyone know the current conditions for the lynn loop, as of May 01/2019.
Im wondering if there is any snow left over. thanks.

Posted: May 8, 2019 05:20:15 PM PST

Nikemom from Vancouver writes:

Nice trail. 5.5 km. We hiked it today. Very treacherous without crampons. Lots of compacted snow and very slippery. Would wait a few weeks before I attempted it again.

Posted: March 18, 2019 08:19:24 PM PST

Rhonda from Vancouver writes:

Did the Loop today and be advised - VERY icy on Upper Loop and lots of snow. Wear decent crampons. Absolutely gorgeous, however with the mountains covered in snow and the creek is as clear as glass.

Posted: February 28, 2019 02:59:04 PM PST

Doug Haskins from Delta writes:

I was up on the trail this morning, there is no snow anywhere, and no sign of that pesky bear today either.

Posted: January 27, 2019 12:08:25 PM PST

Richmondite from Richmond writes:

Although this website clearly indicates 'on-leash' under pet-friendly and there're signs out on the trail that has 'on-leash' marked, there were so many dogs without leash along the trail which should be strictly enforced. Dog owners could take their dogs elsewhere (where leash is optional or not required) if they want to walk their dogs but DO NOT disturb others who prefer to enjoy the trail without any dogs running around them. The washrooms are VERY DIRTY with no flushing available. I would not not go back again for sure.

Posted: July 22, 2018 08:42:32 PM PST

shane boug from vancouver writes:

This is a hike for all levels of fitness. I usually run a lot of it, but used to hike this when i was a lot more out of shape. There are a few short climbs and lots of roots and rocks to maneuver to make it a true hike. The last bit coming back along the river is totally flat to make for a nice cool down.

Posted: June 6, 2018 11:09:46 AM PST

Kerrie from New Westminster writes:

Great trail but not sure where to park anymore so stopped going.

Posted: May 25, 2018 09:56:01 AM PST

Eric from Richmond writes:

Did the this hike twice on Nov. 27th and Dec. 3rd.
The first time we did the loop as mapped on here and no problems.
The second time, we did the full long loop that switches back south at the Third Debris Chute (name is on the map) On this long route, there are now a lot of water and creeks running across the trail. I am an experienced hiker and still ended up walking in water at one point.
Regarding parking, there are so many comments. I am quite sure that the DNV closed access to the old parking to funnel traffic to the new much larger parking lot at the north end of Lillooet Rd.
If you go there instead, you can start right into the trails without walking in on the paved road. There are really nice clean washrooms there too.

Posted: December 5, 2017 10:25:48 AM PST

Aletta Clark from North Vancouver writes:

Love this area so much, bummed to see the access road has been closed. Don't even bother trying to find parking anywhere near there on a weekend in peak hours now.

Posted: June 5, 2017 11:46:31 PM PST

Kristiina from North Vancouver writes:

Great trail, like that you can do the loop clock wise and counter clockwise for a slightly different experience. If you go left at the end of the bridge you slowly climb for 2 km (very gradual) and then do a quite steep ascent including stairs for 10 minutes. When I want to get the ascent over with all at once I go left. The ascent right is slower and longer when you go right.

Once you reach the top you walk through a nice stretch of trees and boardwalks until you descend again.

Make sure to keep your dog on a leash while on the upper Lynn loop trail as the bylaw officers like to hang out in cognito on the trail and hand out tickets.

I wish they'd go back to leash optional on the upper trail at least during non peak hours. I always go off peak and see maybe 3-4 people tops.

Should mention the access road is closed now. So add 3kms onto this as you need to walk in and out.

Posted: April 21, 2017 08:50:44 PM PST

Rosco from Vancouver writes:

03/19, was a beautiful day. The beginning (upper) part of Lynn Loop is mostly clear, but the intermediate trail and trail near the river were decently impacted with snow and downed trees.

The 'intermediate' trail is especially thick, making the hike tricky but fun. Was otherworldly!

Posted: March 21, 2017 09:57:49 PM PST

Catherine from Vancouver BC writes:

Great trail that has off leash dog areas. We walked over the bridge at the entrance and turned left, doing the walk clockwise. After 1.5-2 KM (off leash area), there is a sign for Cedar Mills or the Lynn Loop. At this point the trail gets significantly more difficult as you have to walk up a lot of stairs and over roots etc., I would not think that it is for everyone as this part of the walk is certainly not an 'easy' trail. We found that part quite tough but it was only for about 10-15 mins of the walk so that was OK. Dogs need to be on a leash in this area. We were definitely relieved we chose to start the walk going left as after the steep part the rest of our walk was downhill, so it meant the walk went flat - steep - downhill. Other hikers who went the opposite direction would have gone uphill for the majority, downhill for 10 mins and then flat.

Lovely scenery in the off leash dog area over the river etc., but after that not much to see. Maybe if we had done the more difficult walk there would have been more views from the top, the walk we did was 5.2KM.

Posted: July 17, 2016 07:03:27 PM PST

Ben from Richmond writes:

Hiked twice on weekday evenings this week. Not many views, but a few nice glimpses of the Lynn and very pleasant, clean forestry walking. If you stick to the guided route (counter-clockwise) the first ten minutes after turning off the well-graded off-leash trail are by far the worst and even they're not too bad. It gets easier from the second boardwalk. To me this is more a tough Easy than an easy Intermediate.

If you go clockwise, you do all your elevation in quite a short distance through the Second Debris Chute, mostly up tall stairs. If that's your thing, go nuts.

Going through the Third Debris Chute is a nice extension to the hike; the park rates that portion of the trail intermediate and it's narrower, muddier, and trickier in general, with a creekbed frequently underfoot getting your soles wet. But serious water crossings are bridged, there are rough stairs for the worst elevations, the route is easy to follow, and anyone who could handle that first climb will have no problems athletically. At the junction with the main trail you're rewarded with a nice view of the Lynn through the helicopter landing pad, a great place to call search and rescue if you're feeling a little sleepy. Well worthwhile.

Posted: June 3, 2016 10:27:02 AM PST

Jasmine from Surrey writes:

Hiked on May 21st. Although not the most scenic hikes, there are some nice views of Lynn creek and the beautiful forest when hiking. The trail was not crowded, surprising since it's the long weekend. Also loved the leash optional part of the trail! Overall, it was very pleasant hike.

This is definitely not an "easy" trail (aka for seniors). The elevation is not minimal as there can steep climbing and wooden stairs like the grouse grind for one section of the trail! Since it is a loop, if you start on the "left" side of the loop, you may start with a short steep!! climb upwards and then a slight downhill the majority of the hike. If you do the opposite and go to the "right" side of the hike, then a chunk of the hike will be a gradual uphill ending with a short steep descend. We started on the right and it took us around 2 hours.

When driving up, you can drive as high up as possible unless there is a sign telling you the parking lot ahead is full. There is lots of parking up and along Lynn Valley road and there is even a small parking lot beside the entrance of Lynn Headwaters Park. We ended up parking earlier and had to walk a bit to get to the entrance.

Posted: May 22, 2016 12:42:38 AM PST

Sylvia from North Vancouver writes:

One of my favourites on the north shore: forested and riverside sections, not packed to the gills like Quarry Rock or the Grind on a nice weekend, and a good workout. The Lynn Loop can be started on the left or the right of the sign at the trailhead, I am moderately fit and can hike it myself (without running) in about 1hr15m; it recently took 2hrs with a couple of game (but distractible and exploring) 7yr-old humans. You'll hike uphill steeply either way you go, with a rolling/ level hike through trees between the two inclines. For any with knee/ hip problems though, keep in mind you'll be navigating stairs, tree roots, rocks and generally variable terrain. As they do in rock climbing, the hardest "problem" should define the rating of the route, no matter how easy the rest of it... as others have mentioned, although there are nice easy sections, the Loop should probably be rated "intermediate" just for the inclines and obstacle-course aspects.

For a *slightly* "easier version" of the loop, do it counterclockwise: start on the right (not the left which goes along the river). You'll start with climbing uphill regardless, but the right-hand uphill just seems like an easier climb, mostly on fairly decent trail with no slippage or stairs to speak of. The incline you encounter starting left (after 1.5km of wide gravel path along the river) has many switchbacks and stairs and hard-to-navigate tree roots. So, starting on the right, you END with the harder part as a downhill rather than an uphill, and a nice "cool-down" meander along the river. That may not be desirable if you have knee problems (or if you want a hard start) - but you DO have options :)

I could be wrong about my comparison of the two uphill parts, it just came to mind when towards the end of our right-handed loop last weekend, we encountered an elderly couple barely halfway through the left-hand uphill section, about to give up :) I don't think they would have felt the same, going counterclockwise.

Posted: April 14, 2016 05:41:24 PM PST

jamie from vancouver writes:

I love the off-leash part!

Posted: March 28, 2016 05:21:06 PM PST

Michelle from Richmond writes:

One of my favorite hikes in NV but the off-leash dogs have become a real problem (their owners, actually). Why insist "oh, they're under my control" while they're around my feet? If they're at my feet - dangerously impeding my run - then they're NOT under your control! Leash off is the lower half, not on the higher slopes where it can get pretty narrow in spots. I leash my dog and follow the rules; just because your dog "has run these trails for years" doesn't make it okay. You ruin this lovely -sometimes challenging - trail for everyone.

Posted: July 29, 2015 09:53:02 AM PST

Drew from Kelowna writes:

Not "EASY"...I ran the loop in 40 minutes.. steep sections over rocks and roots.

Viscous dog came at me and scratched my legs on the gravel road near the end unfortunately - please keep your dogs on a leash.

Posted: July 1, 2015 09:21:37 AM PST

Mickie from North Vancouver writes:

This is a beautiful hike and to those of you complaining about your dogs having to be leashed - have consideration for those that respect the leash laws and for those hikers who may not appreciate being approached by a lose dog. There are plenty of other dog parks to let your dog run off leash. Remember - these trails are for EVERYONE's enjoyment including those that may have dogs that are not as social but would still enjoy the hike "on leash". If you do choose to take your dogs on these trails, please make sure you bring poop bags to bring back your dog waste.

Posted: May 4, 2015 12:24:18 PM PST

N from Pitt Meadows writes:

I, too, would not label this hike as easy. The beginning, along the river is a nice stroll but seriously... THE STAIRS. Our old dog's hips were not appreciative of the stairs, so I wouldn't recommend this hike to anyone that would have an issue with that. As well, because there are pools for swimming, this hike gets ridiculously touristy in the summer. Overall it is an incredible hike and the water is so beautiful, but just be wary.

Posted: February 23, 2015 08:42:37 PM PST

Mlvn from North Vancouver writes:

First time i did this trail this morning and it was awesome! But like the other reviewer said, there's a part that are kinda challenging for some, so I think this is not an all-easy trail.. I also recommend to start on your left.. Mostly grave, warmed you up a lil bit when you reached the "junction" which is all up hill.. I really enjoyed this and most of the hikers are friendly...

Posted: February 4, 2015 10:47:25 PM PST

Caroline from Vancouver writes:

Very quiet, clean, and full of beauty! I really enjoyed this hike and would definitely recommend it!

Posted: August 17, 2014 06:31:16 PM PST

Michelle Shomura from Vancouver writes:

Hannah, there are signs at the entrance (both left and right of the bridge) (where the big infoboard is. It is now a leashed trail and if you click on "Dog-friendly" above, it says YES but dogs must be leashed at all times. I have done it a few times with my dog off-leash and have not seen any rangers so it's a matter of luck, I guess. I would not do this hike with my dog on-leash. Great hike though!

Posted: July 3, 2014 01:55:37 PM PST

From Outer Space from Outer Space writes:

The water side trail was easy fo show, but the trail in the woods probably was a bit harder. A nice walk overall though.

Posted: October 12, 2013 09:10:52 PM PST

Alan from Calgary writes:

Hello, this was an excellent hike, but should NOT be labelled "Easy".It is in fact much more intermediate. The fact is, unless you are hiking the 1.5 kilometers along the river, the rest is mostly full of uneven terrain climbing up the hill or going down it. (some pretty steep points too)

Seniors, or any one with knee or leg problems need to avoid going into the loop itself and stay on the river trail (just go to the left at the starting point). I was very surprised that they labelled it like this. I had to navigate through rock puddles, tons of uneven thick roots, climb for most of the trek, and then of course had to go all the way down.

Don't get the wrong idea. There are a lot of beautiful falls and gorgeous trees, with the sound of the rushing river, and it's great for anyone without ailments, but do not take anyone with you who has any physical conditions. If you do, START ON THE LEFT by the river, until you see the Lynn Loop sign, and then decide from there how much elevation you want to attempt. Have fun!

Posted: October 2, 2013 03:00:26 AM PST

Hannah from Vancouver writes:

I just hiked this last Sunday and am going again today taking a group of my son's friends with us. In response to Michelle Shomura's comment from March this year. There were many dogs and all were off leash, as I expect on such a trail. I did not notice any signage about dogs needing to be leashed..?

Posted: July 26, 2013 11:24:33 AM PST

Michelle Shomura from Vancouver writes:

Great hike anytime. But since when did the trail become an on-leash trail? My dog loves the freedom of being able to run free and I was so disappointed to see the new signage today.

Posted: March 29, 2013 04:39:31 PM PST

Anne-Marie from North Vancouver writes:

I hiked this trail today for the 1st time. I am just getting back into exercising and found the trail to be well suited to my beginner state. However, people should know that this is a hiking trail, not a leisurely walking trail. Starting off to the right and walking up the steep hill was a great warm up, and then the trail narrows and there are some tricky spots where you really have to watch your step. There is quite a bit of snow right now at the higher elevations, making spots very soppy and a bit slippery, so caution must be taken.
Overall, it took me around 1hr30mins to do the loop. Despite the rain, it was a great hike.
I'll be up there again soon!

Posted: February 24, 2013 03:23:51 PM PST

Bob from Burnaby writes:

A very dog friendly walk. A great way to get your dog to socialize. You will find dogs of all shapes and sizes up there.

Posted: January 19, 2013 07:52:47 PM PST

Anne Busch from Burnaby writes:

I do this hike regularly with friends and our dogs. I was told today that it is no longer an off leash walk. We would be very disappointed if that is the case. I would say that 90% at least of the people who walk there have dogs and they are all very well behaved, people and dogs!
I would not hike this trail if I had to keep my dogs on leash.

Posted: October 26, 2012 01:36:37 PM PST

Colleenb from Surrey writes:

Perfect trail. Flat and scenic at the beginning and the end, along the creek, and a nice uphill slog in the middle to get your heart rate up. I agree with someone else who said the rating system is a bit crazy though. This is relatively easy, but Pacific Spirit doesn't even qualify as a hike really. It should be "super easy" or something! This hike would be great on a hot day; I'm going back with my dog. Off leash is allowed, water and trees -- dog heaven.

Posted: September 22, 2012 05:25:57 PM PST

Ulrike from Vancouver writes:

I just did the Lynn Loop in less than an hour and a half, a very pleasant gentle hike through the forest and great to do at this time of the year, now that the crowds are gone.

Posted: September 5, 2012 01:31:51 PM PST

Georgia from Langley writes:

Beautiful trail, but definitely on the easy side if you are at all familiar with hiking. There is one steep section that will raise your heart rate, but it's only 5-10 minutes of climbing and the rest is pretty level. For me it was much to short and easy to drive all the way out there. If I come again I will add on another trail to extend the distance/challenge. No viewpoints, but lovely north shore forests once you go off the boring rocky path at the beginning. Lots of well maintained bridges.

Posted: September 4, 2012 11:53:19 AM PST

Owen from Vancouver writes:

We had a very enjoyable hike on this trail, although as some posted its at the advanced end of the easy rating. Two pretty steep climbs at either end of the loop and very uneven ground on a lot of the high trail. In the context of the hikes on this Site it is easy but for those looking for a trail to do with a senior or stroller then this is not for you, although you could walk the lower trail by the river. My 5 yr old completed this hike with little issue although they are some narrow sections that required parental guidance.

Posted: August 6, 2012 10:21:24 AM PST

hikeabit from YVR writes:

Chosen this trail as the first hike of the year twice now for its easy level. Brought a 28yr'old friend (who rarely exercises) for her first hike ever today. Went beyond the lynn loop as just the lynn loop is too short. Sure enough both loops gave a decent work out.

-Lower trail (water side) is very flat-easier compared to the trail further away from the water.
Large open space at end of second loop good for lunch break.
Brisk speed and mini breaks took us 2.5hours round trip.
Rained yesterday, muddy today, high-top hiker boots work best.
Many dogs to greet, no signs of snow on trail. No mosquito bites.
Have fun.

Posted: June 3, 2012 07:09:18 PM PST

Henry & Luke from Vancouver writes:

We are Henry and Luke, two dogs who love to hike. We have done the Lynn Loop and really like it, but we like the hike to Cedar Mills, third chute the best. It is really easy, with places for us to visit the creek. Lots of thinkgs to smell and the humans who we let come with us seemed to have a good time. It is 8k round trip from the entrance, and it if wasn't for the slow poke 2 leggers, would have been around a 2 hrs trip. Lots of fun, will do this again

Posted: May 19, 2012 01:02:43 PM PST

Athena from Vancouver writes:

If you want the hike to be easy (well easy enough) take the lower path both ways. It is pretty enough to not get bored returning the way you came. If you want a harder hike, do the loop up then the flatter one on the way back.

There was snow on the trail a month back, I hope it's gone now.

Posted: May 7, 2012 04:03:50 PM PST

Maria from Port Coquitlam writes:

A great little hike with the right number of steep inclines. I went during the March rainy season there were a few puddles here and there. There were people hiking dogs everywhere. Went around noon, enough people but not too busy.

Posted: March 10, 2012 04:31:45 PM PST

Jane from Vancouver writes:

My first hike on the Lynn Canyon Loop with my 2 dogs and it was fantastic. Being new to Vancouver I was looking for a place that they would get the exercise needed and I think I found it here. For a novice hiker, I wouldn't say it was easy, but not knowing how they rank hikes out here, it probably was. A steady climb up, and down, but a swim in the river at the end to top it off was a delight for the dogs. I would highly recommend, but not for older dogs, or small children as it is very rooty, rocky and lots of things for little legs to trip on.

Posted: September 4, 2011 08:04:54 AM PST

AverageJoeCyclist from Burnaby BC writes:

This trail is fun but NOT easy at all! We hiked it with my 70-year-old mom, because it was rated Easy ... and I found myself wondering at times if we were going to have to be airlifted back to safety! My mom made it, with some help from my wife and I ... but we saw a woman in her twenties weeping on the side of the trail, refusing to go on with her party because it was too steep! Basically almost the entire trail is either uphill or downhill. The uphills seem to go on and on forever. Some parts of the trail are so steep that they have installed rough steps, which help. At the end of it we felt a sense of accomplishment, and we look back on it as an adventure - but beginners should not be tempted to try this trail, as it is definitely NOT easy.
By the way, I have several posts about good cycling trails on my website at www.averagejoecyclist.com

Posted: August 1, 2011 01:02:28 PM PST

Caitlin from Burnaby writes:

This was a really nice hike - we enjoyed it very much. The trees were beautiful and it was peaceful even though the trail was quite busy.

Posted: June 29, 2011 03:59:32 PM PST

Jo from Surrey writes:

I did this hike last week and very much enjoyed it. The weather was great and because we went early morning on a weekday there was hardly anyone on the trail.
I did however find this trail to be very easy, almost felt like jogging the trail to challenge myself.
I don't recommend going to the "view point" though (which was the smaller trail labelled half-way on the Lynn Loop. It's a short but very steep trail up to a mediocre view.
I would definately do this trail again though because it's not busy at all and it was easy on your knees and legs.

Posted: April 30, 2011 02:57:26 PM PST

Kristi from North Vancouver writes:

I've hiked this trail a few times this past week. rnrnI find the rating system a bit off - definitely wouldn't label this "easy" as there is quite a hike up initially (if you go to the right), with roots and rocks to manage. The last 2 kms are wide open trail along the creek, and I would consider that part easy. Leaning more toward intermediate on this one.rnrnHowever I really enjoy it, takes me a little over an hour. Can do the loop to the left, or to the right. Of note if you get sore knees heading down steps - I would go left, climb the stairs first, and then you have a more gradual descent.

Posted: April 17, 2011 11:16:03 AM PST

steph mc from Vancouver writes:

I lost my keys on the Lynn loop today. They have a grey fob, a pink key chain and a bunch of keys on them. If you have found them could you please email me at [email protected] you so much!rnrnBTW - this is my favorite off leash hike in Vancouver!rnrnStephrnrn

Posted: April 16, 2011 08:21:03 PM PST

Diane from Vancouver writes:

We hiked this trail last weekend with our 4 year old son. It took about 2 1/2 hours. I find the rating system difficult to interpret as this was rated "easy" and so is Pacific Spirit Park. Pacific Spirit Park is an easy walk, and doesn't even qualify as a hike compared to Lynn Loop. This hike was enjoyable, and definitely a challenge for the 4 year old, but well worth it.

Posted: August 17, 2010 05:43:50 PM PST

Bryan Routledge from Pittsburgh writes:

Nice hike to do with 8 year old. The side-trip up the lookout is great.

Posted: June 24, 2010 04:27:05 PM PST

Sara V from Burnaby writes:

Amazing little hike. Very easy trail to follow. Lots of signage at the bottom and also 2 maps in the trail as well. There are signages for other trails within this trail but if you stick to the trail and follow the orange tags on the tree you won't get lost :)

I take my dog with me on this trail all the time. Watch out for the runners and make sure they don't cut them off as some parts are narrow. The walk back down along the river is very nice and busy at times.

I would recommend this for all.

Posted: June 21, 2010 08:57:17 AM PST

Laura from Richmond writes:

not a place to take your dog if you want to have it off leash. Lots of bikers throughout the trail. Very minimal signage. I even printed off the instuctions from this site but they were not helpfull towards the end. The falls were very nice though.

Posted: June 18, 2010 11:16:41 AM PST

Thomas from Vancouver writes:

Very nice, first time hiking since I was a kid so I was tired out easily. The two upper most tips where quite a workout and got very thin at some points (only about 4 inch's wide). The left stretch was mostly flat gravel and the right was a real nice rugged trail, muddy at some points but easy enough to get around. But to the point a nice hike, quick with little challenge for anyone new.

Posted: June 17, 2010 02:06:30 AM PST

Paulina from Vancouver writes:

We hiked Lynn Loop today, which cuts through a scenic forest route. No snow in sight though a bit muddy in some areas.

Posted: May 17, 2009 05:31:19 PM PST

Rick from North Vancouver writes:

Still surprised to see a lot of snow on the ground on parts of Lynn Loop. Pretty difficult coming down the debris chute with all that snow. Watch your step.

Posted: April 2, 2008 09:51:33 AM PST

Mike from Vancouver writes:

Lynn Loop is a great trail to get an idea of what the west coast rain forest is like in a short amount of time. It's accessible almost all year and can be quite muddy, especially after a good rainfall. But this is what the rain forest is all about and seeing all the moss covered trees is really a thing of beauty.

I highly recommend this hike. It's short but worth checking out.

Posted: March 26, 2008 01:31:01 PM PST