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MODERATE · 10 KM ROUND TRIP

Kennedy Falls

Rugged forest adventure to the legendary Big Cedar.

Status Open · Year-Round
Difficulty MODERATE
Distance 10 km round trip
Time 4.5 h
Rating ★ 4.4 · 53
Area North Vancouver
★ 4.4 · 53 reviews North Vancouver Free Outdoor · Hikes
MODERATE Out & Back

10km

Distance

150m

Gain

4.5h

Time

01

About this Trail

A rugged 10 km round-trip hike to Kennedy Falls, one of the North Shore's most impressive waterfalls. The unmaintained trail passes the Big Cedar -- a 600-year-old red cedar 4 metres wide -- through dense rainforest with 10+ creek crossings. Waterproof boots essential. Best in May for peak snowmelt.

Known For
Big Cedar TreeCascading WaterfallsRugged Forest TrekOff-Leash Dog Hike
02

Best Suited For

The Crowd

  • 🔹Adventurous Hikers
  • 🔹Experienced Hikers
  • 🔹Waterfall Enthusiasts
  • 📷Photographers
  • 🌲Nature Lovers
  • 🔹Trail Dogs
  • 🔹Backcountry Seekers

The Occasion

  • 🔹Adventure Hike
  • 🔹Photography Outing
  • 🔹Spring Snowmelt Visit
  • 🔹Fitness Challenge
03

Highlights

  • A rugged 10 km round-trip hike leading to the stunning Kennedy Falls and the massive 'Big Cedar' tree.

  • The trail is a true forest adventure, with technical root sections, mud, and multiple creek crossings.

  • Features the 600-year-old Big Cedar, one of the most impressive old-growth trees on the North Shore.

  • A dog-friendly trail that offers a wilder, less groomed experience compared to nearby Lynn Canyon.

04

Route Details

An unmaintained trail through dense rainforest to Kennedy Falls. The route crosses 10+ creeks on slippery rocks, climbs over fallen logs, and navigates extensive root networks. Despite only 150m elevation gain, the terrain makes it moderate difficulty. The Big Cedar Tree (600+ years old, 4m wide) is a highlight at roughly the halfway point. Kennedy Falls is most spectacular in May during peak snowmelt.

The Route

  1. Mount Fromme parking lot km 0.0

  2. Trail enters forest km 0.5

    transition from road to trail

  3. First major creek crossings km 2.0

  4. Big Cedar Tree km 3.5

    600-year-old giant cedar

  5. Final creek crossings approaching falls km 4.5

  6. Kennedy Falls viewpoint km 5.0

  7. Return via same route km 10.0

Along the Way

  • Kennedy Falls — spectacular waterfall, most impressive during May snowmelt

  • Big Cedar Tree — 600+ year-old western red cedar, 4 metres wide, one of few to survive logging

  • Lush rainforest with ferns, moss, and towering trees

  • 10+ creek crossings — adventurous and challenging

  • Wild, unmaintained trail — feels like true backcountry

05

Practical Tips

Best Times to Visit

Late spring for dramatic waterfall flowSummer for easier creek crossings

Insider Tips

  • 💡

    Check creek levels before going — high water makes crossings dangerous

  • 💡

    The trail is rated 'hard' mostly because of length and creek crossings, not elevation

  • 💡

    Bring waterproof boots — your feet will get wet at creek crossings

What to Bring

🎒Waterproof hiking boots
🎒Gaiters
🎒Bear spray
🎒Water
🎒Camera
06

Accessibility & Facilities

⚠️

Falls most impressive in May (peak snowmelt).

Free Parking

Not Available

✕ Washrooms✕ Drinking Water✕ Picnic Area

Not wheelchair accessible. Trail is unmaintained with mud, roots, fallen logs, and creek crossings.

Cell
Poor
07

History

Kennedy Falls is a remote waterfall in the Lynn Headwaters Regional Park backcountry. The trail follows old logging roads and creek beds through some of the North Shore's most pristine forest.

Source · metrovancouver.org

08

Location

09

Getting Here

🚌 Transit

Bus 210 to Mountain Highway at Coleman Street, then approximately 1 km walk north up Mountain Highway to the Mount Fromme parking lot trailhead.

🚗 Parking

Mount Fromme parking lot at the top of Mountain Highway -- WARNING: 3-hour time limit, insufficient for this hike (3.5-5 hours). Use Dempsey Road overflow parking instead. Free at both locations.

Details sourced from Google, venue websites, Instagram, and public data. Vibes, highlights, and recommendations reflect our editorial perspective.

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