Rainbow / McAlester Pass Loop

This 31.5-mile loop starts and ends at Bridge Creek Trailhead on State Route 20, linking Bridge Creek/Pacific Crest Trail, Rainbow Lake, Rainbow Creek and McAlester Lake trails. It gains about 6,650 feet and reaches roughly 6,300 feet. The pass climbs are steep and rough, so most hikers allow four days. This record follows the SR 20 start; the separate Stehekin itinerary is longer.

Cross the highway on the short trail connector to reach the Pacific Crest Trail, then follow Bridge Creek through forest and avalanche paths. Stay on Bridge Creek at the Twisp Pass junction. The Rainbow Lake Trail junction is about 5.6 miles from the start; Rainbow Lake is around mile 13.6, after the steep, rough north side of Bowan (Rainbow) Pass. Beyond the lake, open meadows look toward Rainbow Mountain before the route reaches Rainbow Creek Trail near mile 17.4.

Turn north on Rainbow Creek Trail. The climb toward McAlester Pass opens views across Lake Chelan and the surrounding peaks. The pass is a broad subalpine meadow; McAlester Lake sits about 0.5 mile beyond it, in a shallow basin edged by meadow and forest. From the lake, follow McAlester Lake Trail to the Bridge Creek junction near mile 26.9, then retrace the approach for the last 4.6 miles.

This is a backcountry trip, not a day hike. Limited overnight permits are required. Designated camps include McAlester Lake, High Camp at the pass meadow, Hidden Meadows and sites along Rainbow Creek. The Bridge Creek parking area is just east of Rainy Pass on the north side of SR 20 near milepost 159; use the short connector across the highway to the Pacific Crest Trail. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required. Pets are not allowed on this complete route.

Snow can linger on Bowan Pass's steep north side into mid-July; an ice axe may be needed before August. East Fork McAlester Creek is unbridged and can be difficult or impossible during peak snowmelt in June and early July. South Fork Bridge Creek may run swift and strong, and the Rainbow Ford footbridge is removed seasonally. Do not attempt high-water crossings; conditions can change the safe itinerary.

The lower Bridge Creek approach passes Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine; higher country shifts to mountain hemlock, subalpine fir and larch. The strongest open views come from Bowan Pass above Rainbow Lake and from the meadows at McAlester Pass, with the lake basins providing a change from the long forested creek valleys.