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Cypress Falls Hiking Adventure: Find West Vancouver Mystery Car Wreck!

Visit Cypress Falls Park: Spectacular Waterfalls, Some Of the Biggest Oldest Trees on BC and a Mysterious Car Wreck

Looking for an easy yet impressive kids hiking trail near Vancouver? Check out, Cypress Falls Park! Just as at Capilano or Lynn Valley, you'll find yourself in one of the most impressive Pacific North West forests. The difference is – you can actually enjoy the serenity of the wilderness with almost no interruptions. Cypress Falls is much less known and not a touristy hiking destination that West Vancouver locals keep in secret. Spectacular Vancouver waterfalls, some of the biggest and oldest trees in British Columbia, and a Secret Car Wreck mystery to solve! What an amazing hiking adventure to take your kids on in Vancouver!

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Cypress Falls Park

Cypress Falls Park and its trails are located in West Vancouver, just off the Upper Levels highway. As mentioned, it is much less known to tourists and visitors and is mainly being enjoyed by locals. 

GPS / Google Maps anchor point: Cypress Falls Park, Woodgreen Pl, West Vancouver, BC V7S 2V6

If you are heading to Cypress Falls Park from Coquitlam Centre, it will take you about 45 minutes to get there.

There is a small parking lot for probably no more than two dozen cars. There are no bathrooms, nor there are any food options or amenities. Nevertheless, as Cypress Falls Park sits at a lower elevation, this easy kids-friendly West Vancouver hike is accessible all year-round. 

We’ve had a few amazing visits throughout the year. On a hot summer weekend, Cypress Falls Park treats you with the refreshing coolness of its creeks and waterfalls. And on a chilly hazy winter day, the giant trees save you from the rainfall and make an enjoyable fresh air adventure.

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Cypress Falls Trail – Quick Facts

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The hike along Cypress Falls Trail takes you along Cypress Creek, carves its way to the bridge at the far end of the Park, and leads you back along the other side of the Cypress Creek. 

When venturing out, it is important to somehow track yourself not to get lost as Cypress Park is crisscrossed with trails and the path is not clearly marked. As usual, our recommendation is AllTrails mobile application that tracks your movement per GPS within its built-in maps. 

A word of caution: The terrain leading to the Upper Falls is absolutely spectacular but can be quite dangerous, narrow and slippery paths hang high above the canyon with some sections that should be avoided at all times, and not just when it's wet. So when visiting with your kids or pets, make sure that everyone keeps a safe distance from the cliff edges.

Here is the route that we took:

If the weather conditions are snowy or wet, we recommend you only stick to the west-side half-loop, and everyone should wear proper non-slip hiking shoes, including your kids.

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The Waterfalls

There are many amazing places in West Vancouver, where you will find waterfalls, creeks, and cool trails. Cypress Falls Park has two gems – it boasts with two spectacular wild waterfalls – Upper Cypress Falls and Lower Cypress Falls (marked with blue circle sign on the map above). 

The Lower Falls are located very close to the trail-head. You’ll find a smaller tinier, but very neat little waterfall. The water is extremely clear and does indeed sparkle like crystals. The best part, you can actually come closer to the creek here and even jump over it following large boulders. The water is freezing.

If you want to see the Upper Falls – you’ll need to hike all the way to the far Northern end of the trail.

Best view of the falls is from the West side – if you hike in the against-the-clock direction, you’ll need to cross the bridge using the service road and you’ll see the direction sign to get back into the forest. 

Our opinion is that the trip is definitely worth it. You’ll enjoy a higher elevation waterfall with few streams and shiny sparkling water that cuts its way through the rock a few hundred feet down. You can come very close and look down at the water pools playing beautiful colours reflecting all the greenery around you. 

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Mysterious Car Wreck

Are you looking at the Upper Cypress Falls from the West side? 

Look closely! 

Look above the falls! 

Do you see a car wreck handing from the cliff right above the waterfalls?! 

How did it get there?! The forest is literally inaccessible! 

According to a few google queries, this car probably crashed back in the 1960s or 70's – that’s close to or over 60 years ago. Now look at the tall trees surrounding the wreck – could those trees be much tinier and younger 60 years ago to allow for a car to roll over all this way?!.. Very hard to believe…

We've searched the Google in and out! It looks like no one has any information on the incident.

So to this day the questions on who this car belonged to? How did it get to Cypress Falls? What happened? ..all of it remains a mystery. 

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Trail Accessibility

Please note that although the trail is an easy one, it is NOT accessible.

There is at least specifically one area of about 50 feet where it may be quite difficult for you to pass. (I’ve marked it on the map with the blue/yellow colour and an arrow)

What you’ll find in this section of Cypress Falls hike – there is a very steep climb up (if you follow the trail in against-the-clock direction) – the ground is slippery and you have to hold on to the trees to pull yourself up to reach the road to get over the bridge. But that’s just one section – which takes you maybe 5-6 meters up. After that – your path is nice and clear again. 

As always we’ve hiked with our son Cosmos, who was 3.5yo at the time. He made it all the way to the Upper Falls and back. Conclusion: this West Vancouver trail is kids-accessible. On a wet day, little kids would need to be carried in carrier backpack though.

We’ve honestly enjoyed taking photos with giant trees and throwing rocks into the canyon’s creek from up above! As the last visit was during an overcast misty day, we’ve seen many humongous snails along the route. 

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As usual, a reminder on Safety hiking with kids when venturing out to see waterfalls in or near Vancouver. Few of the safety rules apply here on Cypress Falls trail:

• Dress in bright colours to be easily seen
• Proper footwear is a must
• Check out the rest of the hiking safety rules we have put together in Hiking With Kids: 12 Simple Safety Rules Every Parent Should Follow
• Leave No Trace principles and Outdoor Ethics: Leave No Trace & Outdoor Ethics – Zero Impact Family Adventures

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Cypress Falls trail confirmed to us yet another time that having the proper gear is something that's either make it or break your hiking adventure. So glad Cosmos was wearing his waterproof jacket and his, now favourite, KidORCA Kids Rain Boots (read our review HERE). Walking through the forestry landscape, with the grass and bushes taller than a toddler on a hazy rainy day …was an absolute pleasure! 

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Cypress Falls Photo Gallery

Check out our photo gallery from the latest visit to Cypress Falls Park. What a beautiful waterfalls location in West Vancouver! Come hike this trail with your kids!

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Are you an outdoor enthusiast and an adventurer who loves all sorts of curious places? Do you know any cool trails or cute waterfalls in or around West Vancouver, North Vancouver, any Vancouver? Send us a note or share in comments!

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Enjoy!

Cheerfully yours,

Alexandra, Alex & Cosmos

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Share your pictures on social media! tag #PerfectDayToPlayHike to be featured on our Instagram! 

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