Waterfall hikes (ZZ from |Wanderung| Newsletter)

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With the recent run of sunny weather and a couple of heavy downpours, now is a
great time to do waterfall hikes. Many excellent hikes take in waterfalls either
as the star attraction or simply along the way. The best thing is that most of
these are only a short drive from Vancouver. Here are a few suggestions to get
you started.

- Norvan Falls: not as spectacular as some of the others, but close to home.
Good for a cloudy day.
- Lynn Canyon: a short distance downstream from the suspension bridge is the
lovely Twin Falls.
- Cypress Falls in West Van: only a short hike, but with two great waterfalls to
view.
- Brothers Creek: in addition to big trees, this under-rated hike takes in a
gorgeous twin-cascade along the way with another viewable from the lower bridge
on the Baden-Powell trail. Note there is a *lot* of downed trees on the upper
part of this trail at the moment.
- Upper Shannon Falls, The Chief, and Slhaney (previously known as the Squaw)
all take in the spectacular Shannon Falls which are roaring at the moment. There
is even a new bridge over Olesen Creek and you get to see where the new
"Sea-to-Sky" gondola route will be. Take your photos at the end of the hike when
the falls are in sunshine.
- High Falls Creek: get a free rainbow on a sunny day, plus superb views of the
Squamish River valley on the descent. Known to be snow-free!
- East/West Canyon Trails: the lower falls on Gold Creek are an easy hike in
Golden Ears park, accessible from either side of the river. The East Canyon
trail allows you to feel the spray, but taking the West Canyon (Alder Flats)
trails allows you to get down by the river for a sunnier view. Take care on the
rocks - they can be slippery!
- Deeks Lake: starting at the Porteau Road exit a few minutes before Porteau
Cove (and drive up the logging road if you have the right vehicle), Deeks Creek
has two particularly good waterfalls, including Phi Alpha a few minutes before
the lake.
- Sigurd Creek: a tough hike, but Crooked Falls is easily accessible along the
first half of the trail before the steepest part of the climb.
- Other waterfalls worth visiting en route to/from other hikes include
Brandywine Falls just south of Whistler, Alexander Falls near the Callaghan
Valley cross-country ski area and Bridal Veil Falls on Highway 1 near Rosedale.

It should go without saying that spectacular waterfalls occur when creeks are
running high, so please take care near the water. In addition, many of these
waterfalls are in deep canyons with precipitous drop-offs so it is vital to take
the utmost precautions in their vicinity. The tragic events at Gold Creek Falls
at the weekend highlight the dangers of entering the water near a waterfall,
while a young teen was injured in a fall at Cypress Falls a few weeks ago.