Zinc Peak

August 16, 2024

Distance: 21km round-trip

Elevation gain: 1340m

Time required: 8-8.5hrs total

Zinc is a little-known peak in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. It is commonly done alongside another nearby peak, Echo. I had originally intended to do both but ran out of time as I needed to be back by a certain time.

The hike to Zinc starts from the parking lot of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. The closest three parking lots to the trailhead are all paid parking (quite expensive at $3 per hour). I parked in the free lot which is about 300m from the trailhead.

It was a cooler, slightly cloudy day which was a nice break from the sun, heat, and smoke. I started on the easy Lynn Loop trail until I reached Norvan Falls. I didn't go and look at the falls but I can only assume it would be little more than a trickle at this point in the season. I instead crossed the suspension bridge that lies over Norvan Creek and continued on the trail until reaching the Hanes Valley trail junction. This trail first crosses Lynn Creek and then continues on through the forest.

A neat polypore I found on an old log (pycnoporellus fulgens)

After about 1km on the Hanes Valley trail, there is flagging that leads into the forest on the right-hand side. This is the start of the journey towards Zinc. It had taken me 2 hours and 15 minutes to get to this point - there is little elevation gain up so I could make quick work of it.

The pathway towards Zinc is well-marked with flagging tape. It follows the path of least resistance through the forest. It climbs steeply up, up, and more up the entire 2km. The bushwhacking isn't too bad until you get closer to the ridgeline at which point it starts to become more dense. At one point, I passed by a lot of old logging equipment that the forest had started to reclaim.

There were piles upon piles of these old industry barrels among other miscellaneous pieces of equipment

I munched on a lot of wild berries along the way as they were out in abundance - huckleberry, blueberry, even bunchberry. After a lot of steep climbing, the trail leads out to a ridgeline. Going right takes you to Zinc, going left takes you to Echo. I went right and made the short last climb to Zinc peak. The total climbing through the forest portion took a little over 2 hours.

Looking towards Echo (which is slightly higher) from Zinc

A cloudy Lynn Valley

Looking west towards Crown Mountain (furthest left peak)

After a very short time at the summit, I jogged/walked my way back down the steep forest slope. I usually like to trail run on descents as I find the momentum makes the journey easier and prevents you from overthinking.

I made good timing on my way back and managed to get back to the trailhead from the summit in just over 3 hours.

Zinc peak, along with Echo, is a great hike to do if you're looking for something less popular and much less busy (I didn't see a single person on the trail).