Cedar Mill and Headwaters Trail Loop

Cedar Mill and Headwaters Trail Loop in North Vancouver is the classic “easy on paper, interesting underfoot” kind of hike. At 8.5 km with only about 182 m of gain and a max altitude around 340 m, it sounds mellow, and for the most part it is. Expect about two hours of steady walking, lots of shade, and a mix of busy riverside path and quieter forest singletrack.

You start on the wide, flat Lynn Creek side where the Cedar Mill section feels more like a casual park stroll than a hike, with plenty of people, runners, and dog walkers. Once you peel off onto the Headwaters Trail, it tightens up and feels more like true North Shore terrain: rooty, rocky, and a bit slick after rain, with short climbs up to the ridge and side paths dropping down to the creek. Many locals like doing the loop counterclockwise to get the main climb done early and then cruise the flatter river section back.

Recent hikers report wet, muddy stretches, especially after rain, with some sections of the east fork turning into shallow streams and a few wooden bridges and ramps getting very slippery. Waterproof boots, extra socks, and hiking poles help a lot, especially while the bridge work is ongoing and things can feel a bit sketchy. The Cedar Mill and Headwaters Trail Loop is open year-round, but it’s busiest on weekends; go early to beat the crowds, follow the yellow tree markers to stay on track, and be out of the Lynn Headwaters carpark by 5 pm before the gate locks.