Rainbow Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a waterfall about 4.5 miles south of downtown Wrangell, reached by the Rainbow Falls Trail in Tongass National Forest. The trail climbs about 500 feet in 0.8 miles, mostly on stairs, log steps and boardwalk, through hemlock forest. Past the falls it continues as the Institute Creek Trail to a shelter overlooking Shoemaker Bay.
The Setting
Rainbow Falls sits at 627 feet within Tongass National Forest, in the foothills of Alaska.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Rainbow Falls Trail (#22536), a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 500 feet of elevation gain. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
RAINBOW FALLS TRAIL #22536
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Trail Description
The trail gains about 500 feet in 0.8 miles to the falls, almost entirely on stairs, log steps and boardwalk. It has steep sections and many steps, and the boardwalk is slippery when wet. Beyond the falls, the Institute Creek Trail climbs to the Shoemaker Bay Overlook shelter, and the North Wrangell Trail branches to the High Country and Pond shelters.
What to Expect
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 Rainbow Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on Tongass National Forest trails; keep them under control in bear country.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Rainbow Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is most accessible and the weather is generally favorable.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Tongass National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 40°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious of slippery surfaces, especially after rain. Carry bear spray and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife. Check weather conditions before your visit, as heavy rain can make the trail more difficult.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Stikine River, 21.1 miles away, not on Rainbow Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
60,400 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 49 years of record
13.00 ft
Water depth at gauge
40°F
Dangerously coldRisk of cold shock
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is dangerously cold at 40 degrees F, avoid prolonged contact. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.3 and mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
pH
NormalWithin healthy range (6.5-8.5)
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge STIKINE R NR WRANGELL AK (34 km away).
Today
Low
65232 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
64305 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
60156 cfs
6/10Sun
Low
56847 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
57273 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
54005 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
49599 cfs
6/10Best window: Sat — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late May to late 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 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 Wrangell hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
The trailhead is at about mile 4.5 of Zimovia Highway, across from the Shoemaker Bay campground, about 4.5 miles south of downtown Wrangell. You can drive, walk, bike or take a cab.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The trailhead is on Zimovia Highway at about mile 4.5, across from the Shoemaker Bay campground.
Elevation
627 feet above sea level
Coordinates
56.422778° N, -132.332778° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear boots with good grip, as the boardwalk is slippery in wet weather. The steps can be hard on knees and hips. Pick up a trail map in town before you go.
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With 1.6 miles and 500 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
old
Beautiful 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Ocean Front Property in Wrangell Alaska with 1 Bonus room and a Loft
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
VIRGINIA LAKE CABIN
8.3 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Virginia Lake Cabin is a short floatplane ride from Wrangell, Alaska, making it a popular destination for a remote getaway on a scenic lake. It is located 10 miles east of Wrangell on the mainland above Eastern Passage. The area around Virginia Lake provides opportunities for fishing, hunting, paddling and hiking. The site can be accessed by float plane, depending on conditions, or by portaging and paddling watercraft. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Rainbow Falls, Alaska
South Stikine Spring
South Stikine Spring emerges at 2,848 feet elevation within Tongass National Forest, North America's largest temperate rainfore...
Twin Lakes Hot Springs
Twin Lakes Hot Springs emerges at sea level in Tongass National Forest near Wrangell, offering a rare saltwater thermal experie...
Chief Shakes Hot Springs
Chief Shakes Hot Springs discharge at 122 degrees Fahrenheit from the banks of the Stikine River at just 50 feet elevation with...
Barnes Lake Hot Springs
Barnes Lake Hot Springs emerge at a modest 79 degrees Fahrenheit within the Tongass National Forest, maintaining temperatures j...
Bailey Hot Spring
Bailey Hot Spring discharges at a scalding 198 degrees Fahrenheit from the remote Tongass National Forest, maintaining temperat...
Bradfield Canal Hot Springs
Bradfield Canal Hot Springs emerge at 135 degrees Fahrenheit from an elevation of 485 feet within the Tongass National Forest. ...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Rainbow Falls, Alaska on SoakingSprings.
Explore Alaska springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Shoemaker Bay recreation area across the highway, the Institute Creek Trail and Shoemaker Bay Overlook shelter, and the North Wrangell Trail to the High Country and Pond shelters.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter wildlife such as bald eagles, black bears, and various bird species in the area. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
Other waterfalls named Rainbow Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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