Little Huson Caves

Route Description for Little Huson Caves

While the hike to the Little Huson Caves is an easy adventure on the northern part of Vancouver Island, the terrain surrounding the caves is fairly rugged and can prove hazardous in some situations. Make sure to wear proper footwear for the best traction along the trail, as the areas in and around the caves can become quite slippery. Additionally, cave ecosystems are sensitive to human interaction, so be respectful of the terrain and keep to the designated trails.

While it may be a short hike, the trek to the Little Huson Caves is a fantastic adventure that will expose you to some epic subterranean scenery. The trail heads through the dense cover of the forest and takes you to a series of karst rock formations along Atluck Creek. From here, hikers can explore the caves that have been created over time by the natural weathering of the rock. This is a truly spectacular adventure that you won’t want to miss if you find yourself already exploring this part of Vancouver Island.

Setting out from the parking area, take some time to read the interpretive sign and learn about the caves before heading west through the forest. Follow the trail as it turns to the north and briefly runs along the rushing water of Atluck Creek. After 220 m of hiking through the atmospheric forest, you will cross over a natural land bridge formed by the flowing water below and come to a junction in the trail. Each path leads to an amazing section of the Little Huson Caves, so take the trail to the right and follow it first down to Fern Cave for a view of the creek flowing underground.

Heading back to the main trail, follow the path to the right to arrive at the River Cave, where you can explore the vast karst caverns that make up this beautiful subterranean landscape. Looking down, you will be able to see the cool water of the creek as it slowly chips away at the rock surfaces below, and above is the land bridge that you walked across to access the caves.

After taking some time to explore the other-worldly environment within the cave system, head back along the same trail to retrace your steps back to the trail where you began your hike, having completed your adventure in the Little Huson Caves.