I was already admiring the natural beauty of Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park in Alberta before even approaching the lower falls — and then I turned off onto the short trail towards the lower falls and saw…
The Lower Falls of Johnston Canyon
…an overview of the lower falls and its pedestrian bridge prior to the short descent into the canyon.
The force of the water in the lower falls were powerful enough to create a mist.
Curiously, the pedestrian bridge leads to a tunnel in the rock…
…and I even admired the sculpted designs of the rock itself.
The footbridge crosses the rushing waters of Johnston Creek.
This is the platform upon which visitors who arrive through the tunnel find themselves…
…and the constant spray of the lower falls is more than adequate enough to quickly and significantly drench visitors who dare venture upon that platform.
This closer look at the lower falls shows how the water continues to carve through the rock.
I eventually left the lower falls to head towards the upper falls using the catwalk — but I will return on my way back out.
I enjoyed the shape of the rock walls and how they seem to match each other should they be pushed together.
After passing through that area of the rock walls, I had to look back and take a photograph.
Following the snaking of Johnston Creek through the canyon was truly enjoyable to me…
…as well as listening to the constant roar of the water…
…which never seems to end.
I first thought to myself, “Did I already reach the upper falls?”
I then immediately thought that this could not be the upper falls; for as nice as it was, it did not remotely match the splendor of the lower falls.
Several fallen trees only added to the beauty which is Johnston Canyon.
I could spend hours here — perhaps days.
Soon after I took this photograph, I arrived at the upper falls about which I will write in a future article — but after visiting the upper falls…
…I once again visited the lower falls on my way back out — and the ambient lighting was significantly different this time, as the sky became overcast.
I descended into the canyon and decided to cross the footbridge…
…and crouch my way through the wet and narrow tunnel to get onto the platform on the other side and view the lower falls. Upon approaching the tunnel, the wind blowing through it seemed to immediately lower the ambient temperature by at least 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watch your step when going through the tunnel, as the uneven wet rock floor can be quite slippery and the wind can be rather strong when it is compressed through the tunnel.
This photograph was shot quickly, as the spray was bombarding me to the point where I was drenched.
A small crowd of people approaching this otherwise tranquil spot gave me the indication that the time had come for me to leave the lower falls area.
I looked back one more time on the footbridge I just crossed before I left Johnston Canyon.
Summary
At least one additional future article will feature photographs of the upper falls of Johnston Canyon.
Please stay tuned…
All photographs ©2017 by Brian Cohen.
