Is swimming allowed at Lower Rainbow Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lower Rainbow Falls.

Live Conditions · 6 ft³/s · About average

Lower Rainbow Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lower Rainbow Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Lower Rainbow Falls.

California • 101 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Inyo National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Seth Tisue CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Night Owl City CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Seth Tisue CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

keppet CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Lower Rainbow Falls

Lower Rainbow Falls is a picturesque 101-foot cascade tucked into the Mammoth Lakes area of California, pouring into a deep pool framed by rugged cliffs and forested slopes. The falls sit on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Inyo National Forest, and their dramatic drop and surrounding volcanic terrain make them a favorite reward for day hikers and photographers. The most common access is a moderate 2.5-mile out-and-back hike with about 300 feet of elevation gain that leads through mixed forest and rocky sections to the falls. The short USFS spur to the plunge is signed as RAINBOW FALLS WAGON TRAIL (Trail #2623B). If you’re planning an overnight, Pumice Flat Group Camp is the nearest campground, roughly 5.86 km away, making the falls an easy addition to a car-camping trip in the area.

The Setting

Lower Rainbow Falls sits at 7,218 feet within Inyo National Forest, in the high mountains of California. At 101 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 101 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Rainbow Falls (101 ft) lies 0.6 miles to the northeast.

Rainbow Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.5 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Rainbow Falls Wagon Trail (#2623B), a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 8-10%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

RAINBOW FALLS WAGON TRAIL #2623B

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

8-10%

USFS Segment

0.03 mi

Trail Description

The hike to Lower Rainbow Falls is a moderately rated out-and-back of roughly 2.5 miles round-trip with about 300 feet of elevation gain. Expect a mix of native tread, occasional rocky footing and short steep pitches—difficulty is generally listed as moderate and the route is popular during peak season. The U.S. Forest Service maintains the short final approach as RAINBOW FALLS WAGON TRAIL (Trail #2623B). That USFS segment is recorded as a Class 2 trail on native material with a typical grade of 8–10% and a GIS-measured length of about 0.03 miles, so plan for a brief, slightly steeper spur onto natural surface right before the falls.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 101 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lower Rainbow Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $15.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Rainbow Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the trail is accessible, and the water flow is typically at its peak.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Inyo National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Stay on designated trails to avoid unstable ground and steep drop-offs. Be cautious near the edge of the falls and supervise children closely. Carry plenty of water and be prepared for high-altitude conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

6 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

5 6 32 38

Based on 15 years of record

2.48 ft

Water depth at gauge

54°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 54 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

MF SAN JOAQUIN R NR MAMMOTH LAKES CA

USGS 11224000

2.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 44 sq mi

Altitude: 7,570 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MF SAN JOAQUIN R NR MAMMOTH LAKES CA (4 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

6 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

7 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

7 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in May.

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 USGS 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 Mammoth Lakes hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 117 feet through Lower Rainbow Falls over a long run of ledges. It lines up with the 101 feet the falls are usually credited with. Elevation at the pin is about 7,224 feet.

The ground changes about 58 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 34 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Lower Rainbow Falls near Mammoth Lakes, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Lower Rainbow Falls near Mammoth Lakes, California, showing about 117 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 7,224 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 117 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Lower Rainbow Falls is accessible via the Devils Postpile National Monument. Visitors typically park at the Reds Meadow area and hike to the falls. During the summer months, a mandatory shuttle system operates from Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge to Reds Meadow.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Reds Meadow area, but it may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should plan to use the shuttle system during summer months.

Elevation

7,218 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.594382° N, -119.089021° W

Land Management

Inyo National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during summer. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the area can be cooler at higher elevations.

This trail sits at 7,218 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 29% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.5 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

PUMICE FLAT GROUP CAMP

3.6 miles away · 4 sites

Reservable

Overview Pumice Flat Group Camp is located in the Red's Meadows and Devils Postpile section of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, just west of the full-service community of Mammoth Lakes, California. This group camping facility provides access to some of the most spectacular wilderness in the Sierras and many outdoor activities such as horseback riding, fishing, hiking, photography and geologic study of the dramatic landscape. Devils Postpile National Monument and the famous Ansel Adams Wildern

Book on Recreation.gov