Upper Shannon Falls Trail RatingThe wonderful Upper Shannon Falls trail is now also called the Sea to Summit trail, branches off from the chaotically popular Stawamus Chief trail.  About 15 minutes along the Stawamus Chief trail you will see a well marked trail branch off to the right into the forest.  This is the Upper Shannon Falls trail and is remarkably unused.  This is a wonderful fact though as hundreds hike The Chief on any given day, though only a handful hike this trail.

  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProStart at beautiful Shannon Falls
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProRelatively quiet trail
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProSummit has amazing views
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProTrail continues to Summit Lodge
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProLikely have the place to yourself
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProFree access for Sea to Sky Gondola
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProSerene alternative to The Chief
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ConFalls not terribly impressive
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ConTrail is not as fun as The Chief
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ConPasses under Sea to Sky Gondola

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Upper Shannon Falls, Stawamus Chief and Shannon Falls are all connected by trails.  In order to see all three you should park in the Shannon Falls parking lot and hike up to the Shannon Falls viewpoint just a short 5 minute walk from the parking lot, then proceed from there to connect with the Stawamus Chief trail, about 15 minutes further up the trail. Once you connect with the Stawamus Chief trail you will see clear signs directing you to either the Upper Shannon Falls trail, or to continue on the main trail to one or all of the Chief's 1st Peak trail, 2nd Peak trail, 3rd Peak trail.  If you plan on hiking both the Upper Shannon Falls trail and one or all of The Chief peaks, be prepared for an arduous day as the distance is not very much, but the continuous elevation gain will be hard.  But as long as you are in for a good workout.. as many do.. Doing both The Chief and the Upper Shannon Falls trail in the same day is amazing!  The views are not quite as dramatic at the top of the Upper Shannon Falls trail and the distance a bit farther than the Chief's first peak, but the views are still amazing.  The hike through the forest is very beautiful as it winds through massive trees and over cute streams and at one point through a wonderful fissure in the mountain.  If you are looking to get away from the crowds Upper Shannon Falls is the place.

Beautiful and Steep Upper Shannon Falls Trail

Steep Upper Shannon Falls Trail

The Upper Shannon Falls Trail in Squamish

The Upper Shannon Falls trail is not overly strenuous and only 3.5k from the Shannon Falls trailhead to the end of the Upper Shannon Falls trail and plateau viewpoints. It is however constantly uphill as you do gain 450 metres in that short distance. There are a couple chain pulls along the trail, though they are only added as a convenience and added safety precaution on a couple narrow parts of the trail.  The real attraction of the Upper Shannon Falls trail is actually not the upper falls, but rather the beautiful hilltop and rock outcrops at the end of the trail. They give you tremendous views all around. From Squamish to distant mountains to Howe Sound. There is a considerable forested area to explore and so large as to likely never bump into anyone if you plan on relaxing with a mountaintop picnic or glass of wine.

Upper Shannon Falls

Upper Shannon Falls

More Upper Shannon Falls at HikeInSquamish.com

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