Rainbow Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Before you go
We could not confirm a public trail or legal access to Rainbow Falls. A 2013 visitor found the access road closed for logging.
Photo Credits (3)
About Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is on Dobbin Creek in Linn County, about 1.5 miles south of Cascadia State Park and the South Santiam River off Highway 20. We could not find a trail description, height or land-ownership information for it. A 2013 trip report found the access road closed for a logging operation.
Trail & Hike Details
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and natural obstacles.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 50°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make the trail more challenging. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on South Santiam River, 1.8 miles away, not on Rainbow Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
115 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 91 years of record
2.52 ft
Water depth at gauge
50°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 50 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect crystal clear visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
Water Clarity
Crystal clearExcellent visibility
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SOUTH SANTIAM RIVER BELOW CASCADIA, OR (3 km away).
Today
Roaring
115 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
110 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
122 cfs
8/10Fri
Roaring
159 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
155 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
153 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
168 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, areas of fog (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late April, peaking in January.
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 Cascadia hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Rainbow Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Rainbow Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 58°F to 45°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 89 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Oregon.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Elevation
1,467 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.375631° N, -122.468446° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Where to Stay
Sweet Home Inn
Foster Lake Inn
Best Western Premier Boulder Falls Inn
Shanico Inn
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
LONGBOW ORGANIZATION GROUP
5.1 miles away · 1 sites
Overview The group site has 6 alpine shelters with fireplaces and capacity to sleep 48. All of the shelters are facing the river and no tents or trailers are allowed. This group site also includes a covered dining hall with cooking area, fireplace and capacity to seat 40 people. An amphitheater that seats up to 75 is located near the volleyball court. The campground has one accessible double vault toilet and one handpump well to provide potable water. Parking is limited; maximum of 50 people
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Nearby Attractions
Cascadia State Park is just to the north on Highway 20.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of bears and other larger animals, especially during dawn and dusk.
Cities near Rainbow Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Rainbow Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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