The Needles - South


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What:  A steep climb through tall trees with great views as a reward.  

Where:  The Needles (South, Middle and North) are located along a ridge between the Lynn and Seymour Rivers in North Vancouver, BC.

Difficulty: 3/5  2 well-marked routes
Runnability: 2/5 Paved access road.  Singletrack.
Peak view: 5/5
Unobstructed views of surrounding peaks, city, ocean
Scenery: 4/5 Old growth, second growth forests.  Rivers.
Children: 3/5 Aggressive distance.
Dogs: 4/5 Minimal water on access trails.

Route overview:  There are 2 popular routes on rough single track that approach the peak from different valleys.  One very small section near the peak where folks with a fear of heights might feel uncomfortable. 

Trip distance:  From the dam at Lynn Headwaters, roughly 14 km via Lynn Peak.  From the gazebo at start of LSCR trail, roughly 17 km return via paved LSCR trail. 

Trip time:  From the dam at Lynn Headwaters, budget 6-8 hours out and back from the parking lot.    From the gazebo at start of LSCR trail, budget 3-4 hours assuming you bike to the trailhead, at least 1.5 hours more if you run to the trailhead.  This assumes a moderate running pace and some contingency for getting lost.

Safety: 

  • Cellular coverage is inconsistent.
  • GPS spotty under tree cover
  • No emergency shelters in the area.  Help at the entrance to LSCR near gazebo.
  • Recommend you bring your Baggers Companion. 

Name Origin: Unknown.

Headwaters for:  Not applicable, as this is a steep ridge.

Getting there:  There are two (2) recommended bagger routes to the South Needle:  One starts at Lynn Headwaters and is 100% hiking/running.  The other route starts in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve (LSCR) and can be completed partially by bicycle.

Route Details:  The trail to the South Needle is relatively well-traveled to Lynn Peak, less from Lynn peak or via Hydraulic Creek.

1.  Lynn Headwaters   

  • From the parking lot, go over the old dam then take the wide, well-traveled trail on the east side of Lynn Creek toward Norvan Falls.  After about 3K, take well-marked Lynn Peak trail to Lynn Lookout.  Continue north to the true Lynn Peak. 
  • About 500m north of Lynn Peak, watch for flagging on a trail that drops steeply downhill along the ridge.  There is a series of 3 or 4 steep ridges.   You will eventually pass the Hydraulic Creek trail from the LSCR (see #2). 
  • Continue steeply uphill to a flat, open area with views on all sides.

2. LSCR

  • From the Gazebo, run or ride your bike roughly 6K along the paved trail to the Hydraulic Creek picnic area.  The trailhead is right of the creek opposite the picnic area.  Climb steeply uphill on a relatively well-marked trail to the saddle and trail to Lynn Peak.
  • Continue steeply uphill to a flat, open area with views on all sides.

Neighboring peaks:

  • Bagger Challenge peaks Lynn Peak, Middle Needle and North Needle are relatively close

Submitted by:  Ean Jackson and David Crerar

More information: 

  • not much out there!


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