Norvan Falls -- August 10, 2012

Entrance to Lynn Headwaters Park

It didn't look like much of a challenge, but to avoid the Abbotsford Air Show traffic, Ruth and I decided to hike the Norvan Falls trail in Lynn Headwaters Park.  The elevation gain was minimal -- one source quoted 275 m. -- but the distance was longer than some of our earlier hikes.  We figured that by keeping the upward slogging to a minimum, we would get a good idea of how our legs would respond to a 14 km. ramble.

Ruth on One of the First Bridges

We began our venture ambling alongside Lynn Creek, then at the 2 km. point we came to the junction of a short trail that climbed steadily to join up with Headwaters Trail. This section of the trail meandered through sweet-scented groves of red cedar, western hemlock, Douglas fir, and Sitka spruce--a second-growth forest, but impressive nonetheless. Throughout the woods, a new generation of trees has sprouted atop the gargantuan stumps of ancient giants--an object lesson in regeneration. One cannot help but wonder what it would have been like to hike through this grove before the corduroy roads were set down and lumberjacks sawed mercilessly through the giant trunks.

Inside the Cavity of a Massive Tree Stump

While joggers, mothers pushing baby strollers, and dogs were in abundance on the creekside portion of our hike, here we found peace and silence, only the odd person venturing beyond the 4 km. mark. The trail was remarkably well kept, and although it was quite rocky in places, we found the travelling relatively easy. Soon we could hear the rushing water of Norvan Creek, and knew were close to our destination--and our lunch.

Norvan Falls

We scrambled down the creek bank and across the large boulders that in high water would have been submerged under a roaring creek, and perched in the middle of the creek bed. It was the perfect spot for an ideal view of the falls. It was also a reminder that a hike doesn't have to push us to the edge of our physical abilities to be worthwhile. We sat for 30 minutes, nibbling our lunches and simply enjoying the beauty of the spot.

On the return journey, at the 3 km. point, the trail opened up into what is known as the Third Debris Chute, giving Ruth a chance to scan the horizon and try to identify the various peaks -- Crown, Goat, Fromme and Grouse mountains. Here we needed to make a decision whether to continue along the high road (Headwaters Trail) or take the fork for the low road. We opted to take the low road, Cedars Mill Trail, which runs parallel to the creek.

Ruth Identifying the Various Mountain Peaks

We were glad we made the decision, as assorted remnants from the logging days were scattered along the way--rusty wheels, an old logging cart with trees growing out from between the wheels, a bucket hanging from a tree branch, and other relics from when the Cedars Mill operated on this mountainside. It was somewhat sobering to think that here we were, looking at the tools and equipment used by men nearly a hundred years ago. It would never have occurred to them that generations through time would stand in wonder at stuff they had left behind.

Pool at the Bottom of Norvan Falls

Bubbling Water of Norvan Creek