The most epic hike near Vancouver you've probably never been to

Crooked Falls. (Kellie Paxian / Daily Hive)

There’s nothing that Vancouverites love more on a sunny weekend than to get outside of the city and into nature. People flock to the hottest hiking spots to get that ‘gram at Quarry Rock, huff and puff up the Grouse Grind, or combat the crowds at Joffre Lakes.

One of the biggest struggles as a Vancouverite is finding new outdoor experiences that aren’t oversaturated with a million other explorers. It is rare to find any type of solitude in the nature surrounding the city, especially if you’re also after a scenic journey and epic viewpoint.

For your own safety, please make sure you are prepared before heading out on your next adventure. Information on how to prepare for your trip and stay safe while on your hike is available from North Shore Rescue and AdventureSmart.

But thanks to the outdoor adventure extraordinaires at Yervana, we discovered an amazing lesser-travelled hike just outside of Vancouver, and it is calling your name on your next free weekend.

Introducing your new favourite hike: Crooked Falls.

Crooked Falls flowing in April. (Kellie Paxian / Daily Hive)

The medium- to hard-difficulty trail is located 36 km north of Squamish, about an hour and a half drive from downtown Vancouver.

From Squamish Valley Road, turn left onto Ashlu Road, and stay on this road for 2.4 km to the Sigurd Creek trailhead. You will have to drive through some potholes and lose cell service to get there — but don’t worry, you’ll be able to post it all on Instagram later that night.

Squamish Valley roadside views. (Kellie Paxian / Daily Hive)

The six km hiking trail provides incredible viewpoints of the Squamish Valley, and winds through the forest to provide that spectacular West Coast best coast vegetation and serenity that we all crave. The route is deep in the wilderness (you heard there is no cell service, right?) and also grizzly bear country, so preparation is key.

Hike up to Crooked Falls. (Kellie Paxian / Daily Hive)

One of the perks of exploring with a Yervana Local is that not only do they share safety tips along the way (we’re lucky we haven’t encountered a bear thus far in our lives because turns out we would have had no idea how to correctly use the bear spray), but they provide information about the surroundings that deliver a truly enriching experience for the body and mind.

Squamish Valley views. (Kellie Paxian / Daily Hive)

If you are hiking Crooked Falls during the springtime, there is a fair amount of debris and fallen trees obstructing the path, so having a guide can help navigate and get you to the finish line safely.

The waterfall is absolutely stunning, and if you time it right you might just be the only humans around to get to soak in all its glory. When we say “soak,” we mean it — you’re sure to get sprayed from the powerful falls!

Crooked Falls. (Kellie Paxian / Daily Hive)

While checking the falls out from all angles, always being mindful not to get too close to the edge. Extra caution is advised when the ground is slippery due to rain, dew, or waterfall mist.

Vancouver-based Yervana provides local adventure experts that know the ins and outs of the region and activity you are indulging in. They connect explorers with off-the-beaten-path adventures through meetups, community events, or private tours. With outdoor activities from rock climbing to fishing to canyoning to hiking, Yervana is a great way to explore the untapped gems of your own backyard.