Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a 312-foot waterfall on Rainbow Creek, about 3.5 miles up Stehekin Valley. The creek drops from a hanging valley into the main valley. Two viewpoints make this a worthwhile short stop if you’re already in Stehekin: the path from the parking area is about a quarter-mile round trip, and the lower lookout is wheelchair accessible.

The lower viewpoint looks toward the splash pool. Continue up the switchback and steps to the upper platform for a closer view of the main drop. Spray keeps the upper approach damp year-round, so the footing can be slippery.

The waterfall flows year-round, with its strongest flow usually during May and June’s spring runoff. On a sunny day, look for a rainbow in the spray. It’s a chance, not a sure thing. The lower and upper viewpoints give you different ways to frame the drop and the water below it.

A continental glacier carved Stehekin Valley more deeply than the smaller glaciers in its side valleys. That left Rainbow Creek’s valley perched above the main valley. After the ice retreated, the creek cut through the boulders and gravel it left behind, then plunged over the edge. It’s a clear example of a glacial hanging valley, shaped by repeated ice ages over the last 2.6 million years.

Boats from Chelan reach Stehekin Landing; Rainbow Falls is about 3.5 miles up Stehekin Valley Road. The valley shuttle runs seasonally between the Landing and High Bridge, and bikes are another way to get there. Match your connection to the shuttle’s current schedule. At the falls, the parking area has a picnic table, interpretive information and an accessible vault or composting toilet.