Little Huson Caves Regional Park
Little Huson Caves Regional Park is one of the most unique stops on North Vancouver Island, set in the Nimpkish Valley about twenty minutes off Highway 19 near Woss. Short forest trails lead you through the trees to a natural rock bridge, a deep limestone canyon and the Cathedral River Cave, where clear green water flows through a huge opening in the cliff.
This small regional park feels remote even though it is not far from the highway. The access is on gravel logging roads and the facilities are basic, but the payoff is big: impressive karst formations, shallow pools for wading when water levels are low and the chance to wander along the creek bed and look back into the cave.
What to expect at Little Huson Caves
- Short Forest Trail: A short and narrow trail with roots, rocks, wooden steps and short steep sections leading to viewpoints over Atluck Creek and the natural rock bridge. It is not wheelchair or stroller-friendly.
- Karst and cave scenery: Expect dramatic limestone formations, a large river cave, rock shelves and canyon walls. You can often walk along the edge of the creek and into the cave opening when water levels are low.
- Cold, clear water: Swimming or wading in the pools is possible for confident swimmers when the creek is low and calm. The water is cold and there is a current.
- Rudimentary facilities: There is a small parking lot, an information sign, a map and a pit toilet at the trailhead. There is no drinking water, garbage collection or staffed presence in the park.
- Gravel logging road access: The drive in uses active gravel logging roads with narrow one-lane sections and a single-lane bridge. A typical two-wheel-drive vehicle is usually fine in good conditions, but you should drive slowly and yield to industrial traffic.
- No cell service: There is little to no cell coverage in the area, so download directions and any trail maps (such as the AllTrails route) before you leave the highway.
- Best for: Curious hikers, photographers and families with older children who are comfortable around slippery rocks and fast-moving water.
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Get ready to be swept off your feet – literally! Little Huson Cave Regional Park is a treasure trove of spectacular geological features and wonders waiting to be discovered.
Feel the thrill as you stand at the entrance of the awe-inspiring cathedral cave, carved over a millennia by the relentless power of water. Bask in the serenity of the surrounding canyon, or take a dip in the cool water of Atluck Creek.
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Highlights of Little Huson Caves
Welcome to the breathtaking Little Huson Cave Regional Park, nestled in the picturesque Nimpkish Valley on Northern Vancouver Island. This lesser-known spot on Vancouver Island boasts stunning limestone karst formations and a large, unique river cave.
Although the park is home to 15 caves, the reason to visit is the Cathedral River Cave, the giant rock bridge and the clear green water pools inside Atluck Creek Canyon.
The Trail
Follow the main trail from the parking lot; it’s a short trail through the woods and comes to the land bridge that splits into two. Head to the right, a short distance to a wooden platform high above Atluck Creek and a view of the backside entrance to the cave.
Head back along the trail; as you work your way down to the cave, it’s not a challenging walk, but when we were there, it was in need of repairs, so proceed with caution to the riverbed.
There is no cell signal in a large part of the North Island. Using AllTrials and downloading the map before you drive up will give you confidence during your visit; the Little Huson Caves AllTrails link.
Cathedral Cave
This area is magical! If you like refreshing, cold, clear water, take in the unique experience of swimming in front of the large opening. Be careful as there is a current, and it’s not recommended if the water is high.
When we visited, it was easy to walk along the edge into the cave without getting your feet wet, and once we were inside, the opening felt massive, and you could see right through to the other opening 60 meters downriver.
Wander around the creek bed; there are wonderful limestone formations to admire, including one that resembles the perfect surfing wave peeling over and frozen in stone, and there are two small caves along the trail to explore.
Little Huson Regional Park
This area was chosen as a public park due to the unique land bridge over the river, and as a visitor, you do not need special equipment to experience the “karst” features.
There are no delicate features that are sensitive to frequent visitors. The large cave can be easily visited by most and is relatively safe and easy to self-guide. The other caves in the park are much smaller and made by flowing groundwater, some of which are accessible along the trail.
On your walk back, there are two small breakaway trails that take you to lookouts over Upper Atuck Creek Canyon. There isn’t much to see now, but at one point, there was a large natural arch rock formation that collapsed in the 90s
The development of this park is labelled rudimentary, meaning the road to get there is active logging, all gravel. In some places, it is only wide enough for one vehicle, making it a bit challenging. With basically no guard rails, the one-way bridge has a great view of the river down below when crossing.
The walking trails are narrow and less well-maintained than other parks. The signage is minimal, and other than a few warning signs of inherent dangers, the district relies on people to use common sense. Amenities include a sign, a map and an outhouse.
Directions to Little Huson Caves
We made a trip to the caves as we headed home after our weekend in Port Hardy, visiting San Josef Bay and the Dakota Crash Site.
20 minutes off Island Highway (Hwy 19), take the Zeballos turn-off just north of Woss onto a gravel logging road; Follow the signs to Little Huson Cave Regional Park.
Use Google Maps to get started, and then follow the signs to the park. The logging roads are narrow and windy in places, so drive with caution.
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