Big Cedar & Kennedy Falls Trail

Directions: Drive to North Vancouver and take exit 21/Mountain Highway. Stay right and follow the road to Dempsey and park on Dempsey. Parking anywhere else could result in a tow. They are planning on having a parking lot May 2015 at the trail head but for now this is your only option.
 
Trail Head: Once parked follow road up about 5 blocks and you’ll see the first of two yellow gates. Keep walking past second yellow gate by pit toilets. This is the only washroom on the trail. This trail can be very muddy, creek crossings can be full on waterfalls depending on the latest precipitation. Good waterproof hiking boots and gators are an assets on this trail.

Trail Key: M~2~RY~R~V~PT~RH
 
2015~Keep following the wide road to trail junction, Big Cedar Trail, go right down the rocky path. Follow it along path to trail junction, Kirkford and go right. Do not go up Kirkford. It doesn’t look like a trail but it is. It’s not marked…A few moments later you’ll cross a creek. If it has rained recently it might be a full waterfall.

This trail has yellow markers in the trees but you’ll likely not see them as they are not noticeable on the way in so keep looking behind you and then you’ll know you are on the right path. The trail is also marked with pink flagging tape.

There are several muddy sections and many creek crossings. The trail snakes its way here and there and soon you’ll come to a step log and right away a blow down tree. You can squeeze under or if you’re tall swing your legs over.

Soon you’ll come to a steep & slippery dirt path and quite a drop off. It's a little slippery here and there are a few roots to grab onto as you make your way down. There's a couple of rope assists to help guide you as well. This is the worst part of the trail. Once at the bottom there is yet another creek crossing.

A couple more downs and the first of two creek beds. The first May or may not be dry and the trail picks up on the other side slightly down the creek bed. Shortly after, you’ll come to another trail going down, another creek crossing, mud and more slippery roots. Lots of blowdown to cross over and under.

A couple more ups and downs and her majesty is there in the middle of the trail to greet you, in all her glory. She is beautiful standing tall and 45 feet wide/5 meters (measured by Ron). This is the perfect spot for lunch. If you decide to go right, & down the steep switchbacks you can see Lynn Creek or go behind the cedar tree and the trail picks again and takes you to Kennedy Falls. 


On your way to Kennedy Falls the trail has much of what you've experienced already. It's about another hour. It's worth it to see the falls. They are amazing! Finally, you'll see the falls but keep going as the trail takes you right down beside them. On a hot summer day it would be amazing to have your lunch while listening to them roar down powerfully beside you. 

It is a beautiful 12 km's return trail. Expect to get wet, muddy and to have a real good time! Scaredy Cat says you won't loose any of your nine lives but be careful on the steep section and the slippery parts. Don’t forget your camera!!!
Lori aka Scaredy Cat.
 
Thanks to Karl from Outdoor Vancouver for finding this beauty! For more information check out Outdoor Vancouver's post on this trail:
http://www.outdoorvancouver.ca/hiking-big-cedar-trail-kennedy-creek-falls/





     

---

Diana's first hike, ever. She's from Mexico. She did great. Here she is crossing one of the many blowdown's.

Rope assist, if you need it at the only steep section.

Fungi along the trail

Corinne crossing the blowdown.

Terry & Su approaching some blowdown but still smiling.

Kim, me, Su, Terry, Diana, Corinne & Wendy at Kennedy Falls.

Kennedy Falls. Worth the extra hour of mud, creek crossings and blowdown.