Hanes Valley Hiking Trail, North Vancouver | Trekkerpedia

The Hanes Valley Trail is a hiking route that starts from the Lynn Creek crossing in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park and ends on top of Grouse Mountain. What makes this backcountry route so difficult is the extremely steep boulder field that hikers must scramble up, using their hands and feet. The views of the valley are quite scenic though and the trail also passes several other points of interest, including Norvan Falls and viewpoints of Crown and Goat Mountains. Here are the timestamps of this Hanes Valley Hiking trail: 00:00 Hiking trailer 00:30 Hike starts The trail starts from the parking lot at the end of Lynn Valley Road in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. Follow the trail across the bridge to a large signboard with a map of the area. Since this is a backcountry hike, it's a good idea to register at the board by dropping one part of the form into the dropbox and taking the small attached slip of paper with you so you can phone the number later to let Metro Vancouver know you have completed the trail safely. Once you've done this, go left and follow the wide trail next to Lynn Creek. It's a good idea to hike the first section at a fairly moderate pace as it's relatively easy and important to make good time in the beginning. The wide trail continues for some time as you pass a junction where the Lynn Loop trail joins this route. Continue along the wooden bridge as the trail begins to narrow and goes through a forest of small trees. After hiking for more than an hour, the trail reaches a clearing known as the 3rd Debris Chute. The mountain view on the left is Mount Fromme. The trail continues up the debris chute at a junction, where you will go left towards Norvan Falls. After passing the 3rd Debris Chute, the trail becomes noticeably quieter and free of most dog walkers. The path also becomes narrower and much more rocky and rugged as you find yourself dropping down into creek beds and hiking back out the other side. Continue hiking at a decent pace as the trail passes through the forest and eventually reaches a junction for Coliseum Mountain. Pass the junction and a few steps further, another junction for Norvan Falls, where a short trail to your right takes you up for a scenic, worthwhile view of the falls. 01:30 Metal suspension bridge After viewing the waterfall, walk back to the main trail and cross the metal suspension bridge. This is the point that you are officially entering the backcountry and the trails beyond this point are not hiked as often as the previous trails. Therefore, it's important to watch for trail markers on trees and rocks and not stray too far without seeing one as it's easy to lose the trail and become lost. 02:53 Lynn Lake Junction Follow the rugged trail as it makes its way through the second-generation growth forest. The route continues its gradual uphill climb but nothing too strenuous up until now. Eventually, you reach another junction marked by a sign with a map of the area. Going right takes you to Lynn Lake, however you want to go left and down the steep hill to follow the Hanes Valley route. After hiking down the steep hill, you reach Upper Lynn Creek. There are some rocks and trees that have been built up that are used as a crossing but be very careful as it's easy to lose your footing on the slippery rocks and you're a long way into your hike. 04:37 Helicopter Landing Site The trail starts to offer the occasional glimpse of the surrounding mountains. After crossing a small creek, the trail reaches a clearing, next to a storage box and a helicopter pad on the left, with a view of the boulder field in Hanes Valley. It's an incredible, breathtaking view look up the rocks towards the top and that's exactly where you will be hiking. 05:55 Bounder fields The distance to the top of the boulder field is about 1.5 km and the elevation gain is more than 500 meters! The first section beyond the helicopter pad continues along a trail, up a very steep section. Then the trail ends and you are among the rocks. The route is generally well-marked with flagging tape, so plan your footsteps over the rocks so you go from one mark to the next. 09:28 Crown mountain trail junction At Crown Mountain, go left towards the Goat Mountain trail and eventually Grouse Mountain. The next section starts out quite easy as you cross a small, open rock slide area. However, things change fast as the uphill section begins. The steep trail is very rough and often muddy as little sunlight reaches this area of the trail that is hidden behind several mountains and deep amongst the vegetation.