Rainbow Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls sits inside the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (designation: NRA) and is managed by the National Park Service. The falls make a lovely destination for a short outing — ideal for photographers and hikers looking for a peaceful, scenic stop within federally managed recreation lands. The setting is inviting without demanding a long backcountry commitment, so it’s popular as a half-day destination. Access is straightforward from the established trail, and for those who want to linger, Harlequin Campground is just 1.19 km away, making an overnight stay or a picnic a convenient option. Because the site is within the Lake Chelan NRA under NPS management, visitors can expect a managed recreation experience and nearby facilities maintained by the Park Service.
The Setting
Rainbow Falls sits at 1,647 feet within Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, fed by the Stehekin River, in the hills of Washington.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Bridal Veil Falls (100 ft) lies 5.7 miles to the southeast.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
This is an out-and-back route of 2.4 miles total with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate in difficulty. Over the course of the route the average grade works out to roughly 5–6%, so expect a few short uphill sections rather than sustained steep climbing. The trail is the primary access to Rainbow Falls within the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (managed by the National Park Service); Harlequin Campground lies about 1.19 km from the trailhead for convenient overnight options.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
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 allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
Permit required
A Discover Pass is required for parking within Rainbow Falls State Park.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically higher due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Avoid swimming near the falls due to strong currents. Be aware of changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
204 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 104 years of record
18.68 ft
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 USGS gauge STEHEKIN RIVER AT STEHEKIN, WA (2 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
204 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
218 cfs
3/10Sat
Low
223 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
196 cfs
6/10Mon
Barely Flowing
183 cfs
5/10Tue
Low
193 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
189 cfs
6/10Best window: Sun — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
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 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 Twisp 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.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 570 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 1,708 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 184 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 449 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,708 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 570 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Rainbow Falls is located within Rainbow Falls State Park, approximately 16 miles west of Chehalis, Washington. The park is accessible via State Route 6, and clear signage directs visitors to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available within Rainbow Falls State Park near the trailhead. A Discover Pass is required for parking.
Elevation
1,647 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.343596° N, -120.698932° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring a Discover Pass for parking access. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain.
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
Harlequin Campground
0.7 miles away · 8 sites
Overview Campgrounds in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area are walk-in sites located in the Stehekin Valley. Harlequin Camp is located along the Stehekin River, 4.5 miles up the Stehekin Valley Road from Stehekin Landing and approximately 6.5 miles from High Bridge. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane. There is some shared parking at the campground for a limited number of vehicles but all sites are considered walk-in. Recreation
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Chelan, Washington
Sulphur Creek Hot Springs
Sulphur Creek Hot Springs flows at 99 degrees Fahrenheit at 2,973 feet elevation in Mount Baker National Forest's remote backco...
Gamma Hot Springs
Gamma Hot Springs produces 140-degree water at 5,397 feet elevation in the Mt. Baker National Forest, emerging 104.6 degrees ab...
Kennedy Hot Spring
Kennedy Hot Spring flows at 100 degrees at 3,520 feet elevation in the Mt. Baker National Forest, emerging 58.7 degrees above a...
Garland Mineral Springs
Garland Mineral Springs flows at 84 degrees in the Snoqualmie National Forest, producing water 39.6 degrees above ambient tempe...
Scenic Hot Springs
Scenic Hot Springs delivers genuinely hot water at 122 degrees Fahrenheit at 2,246 feet elevation in the Cascade Mountains near...
Baker Hot Spring
Baker Hot Spring emerges at 108 degrees Fahrenheit on US Forest Service land in Mt. Baker National Forest, flowing 59.5 degrees...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Chelan, Washington on SoakingSprings.
Explore Washington springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Willapa Hills Trail and the town of Chehalis, which offers dining and shopping options.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot salmon in the river during spawning season.
Cities near Rainbow Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Rainbow Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
Writing about Rainbow Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.