Cypress Falls Park - West Vancouver
by Jenavieve
Activity:
Have you ever been to an enchanted forest? I know where there's one, and it's so neat you won't believe your eyes. It has trees so tall they can almost reach the stars. There are also wooden bridges where the trolls live under. They take care of the fairies living in the forest, and protect them from the water nymphs. Mom said the nymphs like to spray water in the fairies' hair, so they can't fly. The nymphs live under the rocks by the waterfalls I've never actually seen a nymph because they wear clothes the same colour as a rock.The forest I'm talking about is called Cypress Falls Park. And do you know what, it has 2 waterfalls. Nathe says they're "totally awesome." Him and I take turns throwing leaves and twigs overboard and watching them skip along the top of the fast water. The water is so clear, you can see everything underneath it. We usually hike in a big circle that goes up to these huge cement rocks, and back down a dirt road that leads to the second waterfall. One time we couldn't find the path back into the forest and we ended up walking way too far. Better look at the map before you start. It takes us about an hour and a half to hike the whole loop, but we make a lot of stops.
Age group:
The trail we walk along gets a little steep and bumpy in parts. I know Oma could never make it and we have to carry Coleman along the rough bits.Expense rating:
Free
:
When you step into Cypress Falls Park it's like stepping into a whole other
world. It's so peaceful and beautiful you won't ever want to leave.
Nathe and I could spend hours playing in the stream and the waterfalls.
Mom says it's her most favourite hike because she feels calm and relaxed
at the end of it. Dad likes it because he knows Nathe and I don't
argue when we're having fun. I think if Coleman could talk he'd say
he liked Cypress Falls because he doesn't have to sit in his car seat very
long to get there.
:
It's hard to say something bad about Cypress Falls Park. Keep an
eye out for bears. One time we found a big plop of bear poo right
in the middle of the trail. Nathe almost stepped in it.
Details:
To get there:1. Going west on the Upper Levels Highway take exit #4 (Caulfeild, Woodgreen Drive).
2. Take a right on to Woodgreen Drive, and drive to Woodgreen Place. There is a park at the end of Woodgreen Place.
3. Take the trail that starts at the east end of the park.
4. A ten minute walk to first waterfall that is just before a small wooden bridge that crosses Cypress Creek.
5. To view huge 200-300 year old Hemlock and Cedar trees, go over the bridge, and take the trail up the steep slope for about five minutes.
6. To view the second waterfall, do not cross bridge but take the trail that veers left up steep slope just before bridge. Continue on trail to gate that reads "British Properties Ltd. proceed at own risk". Go through gate and walk five minutes to view waterfall. Caution: steep slope/cliff so hold small children by hand.
See map for details.
For information call (604) 925-7000.
Area:
West VancouverSeason:
All seasonsEducational highlights:
What's special about this forest is that it has old plants and new plants growing in it. I've seen huge trees toppled over with their roots still on. Some of them even cross the stream. Lots of times you can find pretty ferns and even small bushes growing out of the dead stumps. Part of the trail we walk along is a dried up riverbed, so the rocks are really smooth. You learn a lot about Mother Nature when you visit Cypress Falls Park, and how forests never stay the same.Fun for the adult?:
Every Mother's Day we hike to Cypress Falls. Mom says she can't think of any better way to spend her day. I have to admit, we all enjoy it. At least it's better than the car show Dad always makes us go to for Father's Day.
