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If you start from the north, most of the trail to the pass follows Johnson and Bench Rivers with sturdy bridges when you need to cross them.  They are huge and beautiful water systems.  At one point the water flows through a deep rock cut chasm culminating in an incredible waterfall.  There are also other huge waterfalls coming down many of the surrounding mountains.  The middle of the trail is dominated by Bench Lake and Johnson Lake where many people fish for graylings.

However, the trail's strengths are also its weaknesses.  All this lushness and water really brings the bugs out. There are numerous mosquitoes, no-see-ums, and black flies so make sure you bring the DEET.  Another annoyance is the growth along the trail, where in some parts it's as high as your head.   One time, during a bike ride, I brushed some devils club, a weed that leaves itchy irritating tiny needles on you.  Needless to say, don't bike shirtless.  There is also a lot of cow parsnip.  Best to wash any exposed areas of skin when you get to the lakes to avoid a rash.  My opinion is that to really enjoy this hike, you need to do it in the small window of opportunity of the last weeks of June when the snow has melted but the greenery is just starting out..

About half the people using the trail are bikers and I don't blame them.  This is probably one of the best mountain biking trails in the state.  I went in 8 miles one summer and it was a thrilling experience.  To be able to have vehicles at each end and bike the entire trail in one day would be a great experience for any mountain biker at any level of experience.

Taking the trail from the south, the first part goes around Upper Trail Lake then heads up and into canopy with in and out views of the mountains and the lake.  At one point you can see two very small glaciers.  The northern portion is much nicer and has better attractions than this part of the trail.  I would only do this as a thru hike if I was biking it.  Save the hassle of 2 cars and just do north to Johnson Lake.

This is a fine trail for winter and many people use it for cross country skiing.  I hiked in one winter and got some great photos, one of which you can see on the photos page. 

Important Information

There are frequent sightings of bears on the trail.  Bikers should definitely be cautious under canopy and rounding corners.  Luckily there are plenty of trees to hang your food from.

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The Following was contributed by a Seward District Trail Ranger:

As a trail ranger, I would just like to inform hikers and backpackers that we have installed three bear boxes on the Johnson Pass Trail. Coming from the south there is one about 7 miles in at a campsite. Last week we also installed two, one at Johnson lake campsite and one at the Bench Lake campsite. I would advise backpackers to use these bear boxes to their advantage and to make sure while at these sites to camp away from both the bear boxes and the designated fire rings. Other than that the trail is in great shape with a few minor things that the Seward Ranger District trail crew have on the to-do list for this summer (2004).

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Be aware that this section of the Chugach gets an incredible amount of snow and if we've had a heavy winter, it may not melt until late June.  

I would advise filtering your water at the lakes as they do not have a strong flow to them and much of the water lies stagnant.

Remember to educate yourself on fishing regulations if you plan on trying your luck.

On the northern side, the bridges are a great way of judging your pace and distance.  From the north trailhead to Johnson Lake, there are 6 bridges which divides this part of the trail into 7 sections.  They are almost equidistant so at bridge 3, you're almost halfway there.  Plan on lunch at this point and check out the huge waterfall in the distance. You'll find the really cool chasm after bridge 5.

Etc.