Rainbow Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a waterfall on Spectrum Creek in Monashee Provincial Park, reached from the Cherryville area by Sugar Lake Road and the Spectrum Creek Forest Service Road. A short path leads down to two viewing platforms, one over Spectrum Creek just downstream of the falls and one on the rocks nearer the falls. The falls are a common stop on the way to the Spectrum Lake trailhead, and flow is best in late spring and early summer.
The Setting
Rainbow Falls sits at 690 metres within MONASHEE PARK, in the hills of British Columbia.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Rainbow Falls flows over hard intrusive rock, primarily granite, laid down about 23-66 million years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating the falls where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From a small parking area at the end of a rough side road of about 1 km, a path of about 300 m leads down to the falls and its two viewing platforms. The platforms can be slippery when wet.
What to Expect
Two viewing platforms at the falls, one over Spectrum Creek and one on the rocks near the falls. Expect spray and wet surfaces. Flow is strongest in late spring and early summer.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Dogs are not permitted anywhere in Monashee Provincial Park because of potential conflict with red-listed mountain caribou.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring to early summer for the fullest flows and the most dramatic appearance; early morning or late afternoon for softer light and to increase chances of seeing rainbows in the spray. Avoid high water or storm conditions.
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
Hazards include slippery rocks and steep, unstable banks near the falls; high spring flow and strong currents; cold water temperatures; limited or no cell service in parts of the approach; rough or seasonally gated access roads; wildlife encounters (bears). Use caution, avoid getting too close to edges, do not climb on wet rocks, and check current conditions before visiting. Inform someone of your plans if venturing into remote areas.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Shuswap River, 16.9 km away, not on Rainbow Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
18.3 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 60 years of record
1.88 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge SHUSWAP RIVER AT OUTLET OF SUGAR LAKE RESERVOIR (17 km away).
Today
Moderate
18 m³/s
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
19 m³/s
6/10Sat
Moderate
20 m³/s
6/10Sun
Moderate
22 m³/s
6/10Mon
Moderate
20 m³/s
8/10Tue
Moderate
19 m³/s
6/10Wed
Moderate
20 m³/s
6/10Best window: Mon — moderate flow, cloudy (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late July, 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 Revelstoke hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Turn off Highway 6 onto Sugar Lake Road near Cherryville. BC Parks says to follow Sugar Lake Road 46 km to the park turnoff at km marker 22, then Spectrum Creek Road 16 km to the park. The Rainbow Falls side road turns off about 9.2 km before the Spectrum Lake trailhead parking lot and runs about 1 km to a small parking area. Cherryville is the last place to buy fuel.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Small parking area at the end of the Rainbow Falls side road. The access roads are active logging roads with potholes and loose rock in places; a vehicle with good tires and high clearance is recommended, and industrial traffic has the right of way.
Elevation
690 metres above sea level
Coordinates
50.485149° N, -118.445402° W
Land Management
Managed by Government of British Columbia
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Check recent trip reports, local forest service bulletins, or AllTrails-type listings for up-to-date access notes and road conditions before you go. • Use caution near cliff edges and wet rock; strong currents and undercut banks are possible. • Wear sturdy footwear with good traction; hiking poles are useful for uneven approaches. • Bring a map and know the access roads; forestry roads can be rough and sometimes gated seasonally. • Leave no trace: pack out all garbage and avoid trampling vegetation near the falls. • If travelling in bear country, carry bear spray and make noise while approaching. • If unsure about safety near the water, do not attempt to swim or climb near the falls.
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
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Nearby Campground
Kate Lake Recreation Site
4.4 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Spectrum Lake, 6 km one way on an easy trail from the Spectrum Creek parking lot, is the most common destination in Monashee Provincial Park and has a campground. Sugar Lake lies along the access road.
Wildlife
Typical interior-British Columbia wildlife: black bears, deer, moose, cougars (rare), small mammals, and birds. Ticks and insects can be present in warmer months. Practice standard wildlife-safety precautions.
Cities near Rainbow Falls
Other waterfalls named Rainbow Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across Canada.
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