We Found the SECRET CAVE: Hiking Johnston Canyon

Описание: The Johnston Canyon hike in winter is a breathtaking journey through a frozen landscape of towering icicles, snow-draped trees, and icy canyon walls. The trail begins with a short walk to the Lower Falls, where a tunnel leads to a viewing platform beside the ice-encrusted cascade. Continuing on, the path climbs to the Upper Falls, which freeze into massive blue columns which can be viewed from the lower and upper platforms. Beyond the crowds, a quieter trail leads through snowy forest to the Ink Pots—vibrant, mineral-rich pools that remain unfrozen and colorful even in the cold. Just off the main trail, the Secret Cave offers a secluded view of a turquoise stream and icy rock arch, it requires caution and only can be accessed in winter, when seasonal closures are lifted.

April 6/2025 Spring Hike

The Lower Falls

The winter hike to Johnston Canyon's Lower Falls is a short, magical journey through a frozen wonderland. Snow blankets the forest and thick icicles cling to the canyon walls as you follow steel catwalks suspended over the icy creek. The 1.2 km trail leads to a tunnel that opens to the Lower Falls, which glisten with ice yet still flow beneath the frozen surface. Though beautiful, the path can be very slippery, so ice cleats or microspikes are strongly recommended.

The Upper Falls

The hike from the Lower Falls to the Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon is a serene journey deeper into a frozen limestone gorge, with steel catwalks hugging icy canyon walls and drifts of snow underfoot. As you climb the well-defined trail, you'll pass additional frozen cascades each transformed into stunning sheets of blue-white ice. The trail gains moderate elevation through forest and narrow rock passages, often icy, making traction gear and caution essential. Upon arrival, the Upper Falls appear as a towering “cathedral of ice” with platforms just below and above the falls offering breathtaking perspectives.

The Ink Pots

The hike from the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots unfolds through quiet, snow-draped forests with the trail gaining gentle elevation over packed, icy surfaces—microspikes or grippers are essential for safe footing. After leaving the frozen cascades behind, the path winds steadily uphill through snow-covered pines, eventually opening into a serene alpine meadow. The mineral-rich Ink Pots bubble below the surface and typically remain unfrozen in winter, displaying subtle hues of blue- green, even in the cold. Surrounded by sweeping valley and mountain views, the quiet beauty of the Ink Pots makes the approximately 3 km (one-way) trek feel entirely worthwhile.

The Secret Cave

In winter, the Secret Cave at Johnston Canyon transforms into a sparkling ice lined grotto beneath a natural rock arch, with snow-dusted cliffs and a partially frozen turquoise stream. Reaching it involves carefully scrambling down a steep, icy side path, where microspikes or crampons are essential for safe footing. Once inside, the cave offers a breathtaking view of ice formations and cascading water glowing through the entrance—often shared only with the quiet of winter. While it’s officially off limits from May to mid November to protect nesting Black Swifts, winter access is permitted, though caution and respect for safety remain paramount.

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Cary Mason

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