Alone again for my fourth solo this season, I have set my sights for the far eastern portion of the BWCA as I have never been there. Curious about Johnson Falls. Is there water to traverse from Canoe to Pine and onto the falls? Or can one do a hike to the falls from Canoe without a means of transportation? Hate to get to the end of the trail and realize I didn't need my canoe to get to the trail leading to the falls. Thank you.

I was at Johnson Falls last year and came in from Little Caribou. Great campsite on the lake if you're looking for one. As far as the connection from Canoe Lake portage to Johnson falls, it would defintely be doable, but it might take as much effort as bringing your canoe with you. I'd recommend just bringing the canoe, but it isn't a necessity if you're looking to blaze a trail.

Don't need to blaze trail. The portage from Canoe to Pine splits at Pine and the spur to the left (west) goes all the way up to Johnson Falls. It will be a long walk from Canoe all the way to Johnson Falls, but the portage is a fairly good path even though its uphill and down switchbacks. After the split, the trail to the falls is not real great.....but not too bad. You may eat up 45-50 minutes doing the whole hike.....maybe more.

Do it! and enjoy

quote mooseplums: "Do it! and enjoy "

I can almost smell the cedar trees...!

Does anyone know if it is possible to hike from the Boarder Rout Trail to Johnson Falls?

you have to do a long bushwack from the border route trail to get to johnson falls.

What a difference more water makes!






And don't forget to hike on up the trail and see the upper falls:

You folks have me pretty pumped up!!! High water, low water, three hours total...just another piece of heaven as far as I am concerned. Thank you for your advice and encouragement. 36 hours and counting.
Mac

Mac, couple more shots of Johnson Falls





The upper falls





If you are a brave soul and in need of a refresh, there is a great swimming hole at the base of the lower falls.

Johnson Falls

Be sure to check out the COLOSSAL cedar tree just down from the lower falls too. IMHO just as, if not more, impressive than the falls.

As beautiful as the posted pictures are, I wasn't prepared for the magnificence and wonder of both falls. Absolutely a must see if anyone is in this area of the BWCA. The hike from Canoe to Johnson was an easy hour and a quarter with many stops for pictures. Would have been worth twice the distance. Thank you for the encouragement as the falls were great, great fun to experience. Trees in that part of the woods do seem to be on the large side as well.