Rainbow Falls
British Columbia • 29 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
2.3 km
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
105 m
About Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a set of tiered cascades on Twentyone Mile Creek on the west side of Whistler, reached from the Alta Lake Road trailhead. The falls drop about 90 feet in three steps through a narrow, shaded canyon and are seen from the Rainbow Falls Loop, a 2.1 km (about 1.4 mile) trail that is also the start of the longer Rainbow Lake Trail. The creek is part of Whistler's drinking water supply.
The Setting
Rainbow Falls sits at 775 metres in the hills of British Columbia. The falls drop 29 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Rainbow Falls flows over layered sedimentary rock laid down about 201-252 million years ago. Over time, the stream has worn through these layers at different rates, creating a 95-foot drop that forms the waterfall.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 2.3-km loop trail gains 105 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Rainbow Falls Loop starts and ends at the Alta Lake Road trailhead. It is 2.1 km (about 1.4 miles) with roughly 105 m (345 ft) of climbing and crosses the 21 Mile Creek bridge at its midpoint. The trail climbs through forest beside the creek over roots that can be slippery and returns with a steep descent. The Rainbow Lake Trail continues from the same start as a 16 km loop with 850 m of gain.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 29 metres over layered sedimentary rock.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Dogs are not permitted on Whistler's Rainbow Mountain trails, which include the Rainbow Falls Loop, or anywhere in the 21 Mile Creek watershed.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Vancouver Trails lists the hiking season as April to November. Flow is strongest during spring snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Roots and rocks along the creek are slippery. Do not go close to the falls because of falling rock and debris. The Rainbow Lake area beyond the falls is grizzly bear, black bear and cougar territory.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Fitzsimmons Creek, 3.4 km away, not on Rainbow Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1.2 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 30 years of record
5.55 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge FITZSIMMONS CREEK BELOW BLACKCOMB CREEK (3 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
1.3 m³/s
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
1.2 m³/s
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
1.2 m³/s
3/10Sun
Low
1.3 m³/s
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
1.2 m³/s
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
1.2 m³/s
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
1.2 m³/s
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, cloudy (trip score 4/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late May to mid August, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Lillooet hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Driving north on Highway 99 toward Whistler, turn left onto Alta Lake Road after the Function Junction traffic lights, just south of Whistler Creekside. Follow Alta Lake Road about 6 km to the trailhead parking on the left.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
A small parking area at the Alta Lake Road trailhead, with a gravel overflow lot across the road.
Elevation
775 metres above sea level
Coordinates
50.130804° N, -122.993087° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
The Rainbow Mountain trails are for hiking and trail running only: no bikes, e-bikes or dogs. Twentyone Mile Creek is Whistler's water supply, so use the trailhead toilet and pack out all waste.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This easy 2.3 km hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Riverside Resort Campground
3.2 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Rainbow Lake Trail continues from the same trailhead to Rainbow Lake (16 km loop, 850 m gain, allow at least 6 hours). Camping is not allowed at Rainbow Lake but is permitted at Hanging Lake, 2.2 km farther. Whistler village is a short drive away.
Wildlife
The Rainbow Lake Trail area is known grizzly bear, black bear and cougar territory. Carry bear spray and make noise on the trail.
Cities near Rainbow Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Rainbow Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across Canada.
Writing about Rainbow Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.