Johnston Canyon

The Lower Falls are 1.1 km each way with 85 m of elevation gain, about an hour round trip. Reaching the Upper Falls is 2.4 km each way with 215 m of gain, around two hours round trip. The path is uneven pavement with narrow railed bridges, so passing can be awkward when it is busy; strollers are not recommended.

The Upper Falls drop 30 m. A further 265 m reaches a viewpoint above them. Beyond that, the longer Ink Pots route climbs through forest to a meadow of shallow pools bubbling up from underground. It is 5.5 km one way and about four hours round trip, a much bigger outing than the falls walk.

The canyon is especially busy from June through October, and limited parking fills quickly. Start early for a quieter walk and an easier chance of finding a space. The day-use area has limited paved parking, including eight accessible stalls, accessible flush toilets, picnic tables and benches. In winter the path can be icy, so traction devices help. Carry drinking water and snacks; do not count on a meal stop at the trailhead.

Include a stretch of railing, creek and canyon wall in the same frame; that shows how the trail threads through the narrow gorge. At the falls, leave some of the surrounding rock in the composition so the drop still feels part of the canyon.