A Rugged Waterfall Hidden in North Vancouver's Wilderness
Kennedy Falls is a stunning, remote waterfall deep within the forests of North Vancouver, reached by a challenging backcountry trail. The hike to the falls winds through dense coastal rainforest, crossing rocky creeks and navigating over and under massive fallen trees. One of the highlights along the way is the Big Cedar, a towering 600-year-old tree that serves as a reminder of the region's ancient forests. The waterfall itself cascades over rugged rock formations, creating a wild and untouched atmosphere perfect for nature and landscape photography.
Best Photography Opportunities & Best Time to Visit
Kennedy Falls offers incredible compositions for photographers who enjoy raw, natural landscapes. The best shots of the waterfall can be taken with a long exposure to create a silky effect on the cascading water, emphasizing its movement over the jagged rocks. The surrounding moss-covered forest provides excellent framing elements, while the Big Cedar along the trail makes for an impressive standalone subject.
The best time to visit is in the spring or fall when water flow is at its peak, making the waterfall even more dramatic. Overcast or misty conditions enhance the moodiness of the forest and help balance lighting, reducing harsh contrasts. The challenging nature of the trail means it's best to start early in the day to allow for plenty of time to set up shots and navigate the rugged terrain safely.
How to Get There
The Kennedy Falls trailhead begins at the end of Mountain Highway in North Vancouver, near the entrance to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. The hike is approximately 10 kilometers round trip and can take 4 to 6 hours, depending on trail conditions. The path is unmarked in some sections, so paying close attention to trail markers is essential. Due to the uneven terrain and multiple creek crossings, sturdy hiking boots and proper outdoor gear are highly recommended.
About North Vancouver's Backcountry
North Vancouver is known for its lush rainforests, rugged mountain terrain, and extensive network of hiking trails. The region's backcountry offers some of the best wilderness photography opportunities near Vancouver, with towering old-growth trees, rushing waterfalls, and challenging trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints. Hikers should always be prepared for changing weather and bring proper navigation tools, as some trails, including the Kennedy Falls route, can be difficult to follow.
Nearby Photography Locations
• Big Cedar – A massive 600-year-old red cedar tree along the Kennedy Falls Trail, offering an incredible sense of scale and history. Capturing its towering presence with a wide-angle lens provides dramatic compositions.
• Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge – A scenic suspension bridge spanning a deep canyon with rushing waters below, perfect for long-exposure shots and misty rainforest photography. Best visited early in the morning to avoid crowds.
• Norvan Falls – Another beautiful waterfall within Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, featuring a secluded, misty cascade surrounded by dense forest. A long-exposure shot captures the flow of water over the rock face beautifully.
• Grouse Mountain Viewpoints – High-elevation viewpoints offering sweeping panoramas of Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, and the surrounding coastal mountains. Sunset and twilight shots from the summit create breathtaking cityscape compositions.
• Rice Lake – A tranquil forest lake with mirror-like reflections, perfect for serene nature photography. Early morning mist over the water adds a dreamlike quality to landscape shots.
With its challenging trail, ancient trees, and powerful waterfall, Kennedy Falls is an unforgettable destination for photographers looking to capture the wild beauty of North Vancouver's backcountry. (North Vancouver, British Columbia)
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