The 16.5km Hanes Valley Trail starts from Lynn Canyon and finishes atop Grouse Mountain, and is a stunning hike from start to finish.

The first hour of the hike is fairly gentle and simply follows the banks of the Lynn Creek along which you’ll find remnants of a logging history from the 1900’s including an old logging cart with trees growing through, old rusty saw blades, cables and other tools. Soon after an hour you’ll arrive at the small yet beautiful, Norvan Falls – a great place for a quick pause and refresh before heading into the much less frequented back country:

For more photos of the last trip into this area – see the previous post on Norvan Falls and Lynn Canyon. From Norvan Falls, head over the suspension bridge and continue heading north towards the headwaters and Lynn Lake. From this point, you’re entering the backcountry so make sure you have all the essentials.

About 1km after crossing this bridge, look out for a sign post and clearly labelled way marker pointing West – that’s the way you’re going. Follow the path down the steep slope towards and you’ll soon emerge at the side of the creek to a stunning pool and interesting river crossing. The water is crystal clear and incredibly inviting, but be warned – it’s cold! Another great spot to have a rest if Norvan Falls is overrun with the masses. Cross the river and pools using the criss-crossed piles of logs and make your way to the other side. This is where the Hanes Valley technically starts. Stay on the trail, being careful to follow the way markers and continue East for another hour as the trail weaves up and down, left and right through the forest…

Enjoy the shade and continue to make the most of the gentle trail to save your energy, you’re going to need it. The trail can et pretty overgrown in some places, so keep an eye on your step…

As you pass through the dense undergrowth, you can catch glimpses of Goat Mountain ridge to the south.

Eventually, after about 1.25 hours of walking along the overgrown forest trail from the creek crossing you’ll finally emerge from the undergrowth and arrive at the open valley (nr. a helipad) at the base of the climb up to the ridge between Goat Mountain and Crown Mountain. And what a view it is.

This is where you need to muster all your energy as you’ll ascend over 500m in altitude in less than 1km.

Once you’ve taken in the views from the helipad and your route up to the ridge, from the trail back into the trees (only for a short distance) as it takes you to the edge of the bolder field.

Begin to make your way up the bolder field, but take particular care in following the way markers. They are particularly difficult to find (little stone cairns or bright flagging tape – below) and staying on the trail is vital as this is an area the North Shore Rescue Squad spend a lot of time, all thanks to people wandering off the trail (hence the helipad).

As you ascend the scree slope be sure to not miss the stunning view behind you. Also be aware that you’re going to be out the trees and in the exposed sun for a good couple of hours at this time so be sure to have a load of water and sun cream – you’ll need it.

The scree bolder field is great fun and very basic scrambling, but watch out for the off loose rock.

Looking up it seems like it’s never going to end…

Eventually, you’ll reach the top of the scree bolder field and be treated to quite the rewarding view…

Definitely take a moment to recover and enjoy the views once you’ve made it to the top of the scree bolder field. Because it’s not the top. Far from it in fact. The trail continues into the tress, up onto the ridge between Goat Mountain and Crown Mountain.

Once you hit the ridge, there is a very clearly defined trail between Crown Mountain and Goat Mountain. At this intersection, you can head North on a loop to Crown Mountain. This adds about an additional 3.8km/350m and 2hrs to your trip. Alternatively, you can head south and make your way along the ridge trail to Grouse Mountain. Either way, it’s up. As you head South, towards Grouse, there are a couple of fun steep sections with chains if you need them along with great views North over Crown Mountain.

You can even see Garibaldi Provincial Park in the distance

The Trail continues to weave it’s way up past alpine meadows (below) to another intersection.

At this next section, you can continue heading in the same direction (South) towards Grouse Mountain, or take another looping trail to Goat Mountain/Ridge and back. This adds about 1.8km/250m and 1hr to the hike if you’re just going to the summit of Goat Mountain, but is very much worth it.

Once you descend back down from Goat Mountain and rejoin the ridge trail to Crown Mountain, turn south and continue along the trail for another 1.9km until you arrive at Grouse Mountain. Keep an eye our for wildlife as this place is abundant with it…

This is a solid hike – awesome views – awesome terrain and awesome fun. Recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good 18.5km/1550m 8hr hike…