Lynn Peak hike, Vancouver BC

Lynn Peak is a hike near Vancouver that I don’t hear many people mention.

You’ve got the big hitter hikes near Vancouver like St Mark’s Summit, Dog Mountain, and Mount Seymour, but Lynn Peak isn’t often talked about.

It may not have the views of nearby trails but it is one of the Vancouver hikes that’s accessible on transit. And though the views aren’t the best you’ll find, it’s still got some great ones and, since most of the hike is in the forest, it’s a good option for a rainy day.

It’s a fairly strenuous hike that’s often compared to the Grouse Grind (that’s to say, lots of elevation in a short time!) but the plus is that it’s still much quieter in terms of people. 

I’ve done this hike a couple of times. Once as my first ever solo hike in BC and another time as part of the Bagger Challenge which is a local, informal challenge where you try and complete a long list of hikes near Vancouver in one season.

So, if you’re looking for a guide to hiking Lynn Peak, you’ll find it below!

Lynn Peak trail

Calling it the ‘Lynn Peak trail’ is a bit too simplistic. In fact, there are two peaks. There’s South Lynn Peak, sometimes called Rice Peak, and then Lynn Peak to the north.

Most people, and indeed the Regional Park, refer to South Lynn Peak as Lynn Peak and hikers typically hike to a viewpoint just before South Lynn Peak.

That’s because South Lynn Peak doesn’t have much of a view.

If you’re a peak bagger continue on to South Lynn Peak and Lynn Peak by all means, but if you’re here for the views, then you’ll only need to walk to the viewpoint before turning around.

Lynn Peak hike basics

Know the essential hike details for the Lynn Peak trail – a transit-friendly hike in Vancouver.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 9-12 km (depending on parking)
• Lynn Peak Elevation: 900 m
• Lynn Peak hike time: 3-5 hours
• Lynn Peak AllTrails map

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

My recap of the Lynn Peak hike

 This route assumes you’ve parked as close as possible to the trail.

If you’ve parked near Rice Lake, walk along the Lynn Headwaters Connector Trail until you reach a turning on your right-hand side for the Lynn Loop Trail.

If you’ve parked further down Lynn Valley Road, you can either walk along the Varley Trail, or the road, until you reach BC Mills House.

From the parking lot by BC Mills, walk towards the bridge over Lynn Creek and cross over. There’s a map of the area straight ahead.

This is where the Norvan Falls hike goes from too.

At this stage, you have the option to register your details which is a great idea if you’re hiking solo. Just remember to sign yourself out when returning to the parking lot! 

At the map, go right and follow the gravel road for about 10 minutes until you reach a sign marking the beginning of the lower Lynn Loop hike on your left.

If you parked by Rice Lake, this is where you’ll pick up the trail.

Once on the Lynn Loop, you’ll quickly start making your way uphill before coming to a wooden boardwalk and a sign pointing you to the right onto the Lynn Peak trail.

The trail here is quite rocky in sections so take care.

As you wander through the forest, you’ll climb quickly and around the 40-minute mark, you’ll get a small view of Seymour Mountain on your right.

Continue hiking uphill. Another 40 minutes or so later, you’ll come to a second viewpoint with a much clearer view of Seymour Mountain.

This is a nice spot for a break before continuing up an even steeper section of trail.

Eventually, you’ll come to the final short but steep climb that brings you out to the viewpoint at Lynn Peak.

The rock opens out onto Seymour Mountain and sometimes you can even see Mt Baker in the US on a clear day. 

The trail makes its way through the second-generation growth forest, ascending quickly. After walking for about 40 minutes, a small view of Seymour Mountain appears on the right, much of which has grown over.

Continue hiking uphill as the trail begins to level and heads through some sections with flatter grades.

The trail continues onto the summit but there aren’t any views on offer there. If you wish to continue to the peak, follow the pink ribbons. 

Retrace your steps until you meet back up with the Lynn Loop Trail and go left then right onto the gravel road, crossing back over the bridge to the parking lot.

If you parked at Rice Lake, go left then left again to reach your car after completing this Lynn trail.

What to pack for Lynn Peak Vancouver

What to pack for this hike depends on what season you’re hiking in.

• Check out my day hike packing list here.
• If you’re hiking in summer you should pack sunscreen, sunglasses, layers, water and bug spray as well as everything in the 10 essentials for hiking list.
• Here is what to wear hiking in hot weather
• Check out this post on the best leggings for hiking or what to wear hiking in summer for more details and my gear recommendations.
• If you’re hiking in winter after the snow has started falling you’ll need microspikes at the very least. If there is a lot of snow you will probably need snowshoes.
• You should also take plenty of layers including a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are also necessary as well as a good backpack to keep everything in.
• You should also pack water and some snacks too to keep you going as they’re part of the 10 essentials for hiking!
• Planning a hiking date? Check out what to wear on a hiking date but still look cool.

How to get to Lynn Peak

There are several places where you can start this Lynn hike to the Lynn Peak viewpoint.

Parking is often very difficult with most spots closest to the trailhead being gone before 8 am.

The closest you can park is by BC Mills House in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.

Alternatively, there’s the Cedar Mills Trail Parking Lot along the same road, but before the House. Or, you can park in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve by Rice Lake. 

My top tips before you do this Vancouver hike

• Always practice leave no trace ethics. Not sure what those are? Get a refresher here.
• Just because it’s spring in the city, there’s often still snow in the local mountains until July. Always check Lynn Peak trail conditions before you go hiking.
• Carry bear spray with you on all BC hiking trails.
• Refresh your memory about hiking safety with BC Adventure Smart.
• Dogs are allowed on a leash. 
• This map from MEC is great for North Shore hiking and Cypress mountain trails. 

More great Lynn Headwaters hikes I recommend

If you’re looking to extend your hike or want more ideas for awesome Vancouver hiking trails in this area, be sure to check out the following trails.

First up is Rice Lake (mentioned above) where you can do an easy hike around the lake in the forest; Lynn Suspension Bridge and walk out to Twin Falls and other great swimming spots; bike or walk the Seymour Conservation Trail to the Seymour Dam; or checkout Capilano Dam and the trails around there.

The last trail is super cool in September when the salmon run can be seen here!

Looking for more things to do in Vancouver and nearby? Check out my Vancouver travel guides which are full of information on the best things to do in Vancouver, the best Vancouver restaurants, and detailed guides for each of the main neighborhoods.

Last Updated on December 29, 2023 by Hannah