Little Huson Cave Park

Little Hustan Cave

Useful Information

Location:	Nimpkish Valley, Zebalos, Vancouver Island. From Nanaimo, head north on the Inland Island Highway to where it connects with Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue through Campbell River to Sayward to the gravel road turn off for Zebalon. 21 km from the turnoff. Watch for the signs. (50.284824, -126.951088)
Open:	No restrictions. [2020]
Fee:	free. [2020]
Classification:	Karst Natural Bridge. Karst Cave Cave Trekking Karst Trail
Light:
Dimension:	L=60 m.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Little Huson Cave Park, Regional District of Mount Waddington, PO Box 729 2044 McNeill Rd, Port McNeill, BC V0N 2R0, Tel: +1-250-956-3161, Fax: +1-250-956-3232. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1978	park planned by the Regional District of Mt. Waddington.
1984	park created.
1985	initial improvements completed.
1990’s	a natural arch rock formation in the upper canyon collapsed and the portion of the trail leading to that feature was closed.

Description

Little Huson Cave Park features limestone and rock arch formations, a vanishing stream and a river cave. From the parking lot a short trail through the woods brings visitors to a platform overlooking a unique rock bridge. This is Atluck canyon, where the Atluck creek runs, connecting Atluck lake with Anutz lake. Along the gorge there are dozens of small caves and many other karst features. There is the huge cave portal of Little Huson Cave which may be entered self guided. It is a through cave and it is possible to return to the trail from the other end.

The small karst area formed in Quatsino Formation limestone. The karst is described as bedding controlled, as caves tend to be formed along the bedding plane. There are numerous small forms like grykes and scallops, which are explained on a series of interpretive signs along the trail. A trail through the gorge is planned, but it would require two suspension bridges right inside the canyon.

The visit to Little Huson Cave is a caving tour for beginners. It requires caving equipment like helmet, a headlamp, an additional light source, appropriate shoes, gum boot are recommended, and gloves. Climbing gear is not needed though. It is said to be one of the most accessible cave on Vancouver Island. We have formerly listed the cave as Little Hustan Cave, we are not sure if it was renamed or if the source contained a typo. Probably its just two different transliterations of a name by the native indigenous people. There are still both names on the web, however, the Little Hustan Cave Regional Park which is mentioned on those pages, does not exist. It seems Little Huson, after nearby lake, is the correct name.

Due to major flooding in the fall 2016, Little Huson Caves were closed until further notice. The road access was fixed and the park reopened in June 2017. The main road goes to the old gold mining town Zeballos, but the gravel roads are maintained by the Ministry of Forest.