Rainbow Mist Trail

Rainbow Mist Trail is a short roadside path network to two viewpoints at Rainbow Falls, a 312-foot drop in Stehekin. Plan for about 0.3 mile round trip and roughly 20 minutes on the path with a brief look. Some published mileage is 0.25 mile; the mapped route stored here follows the roadside approach and both viewing areas. This is a waterfall stop, not a long hike.

The lower viewpoint looks across the pool and smaller cascade, with part of the taller falls above. A brief climb reaches the upper viewpoint closer to the tall drop; a gentler switchback approach and a short stair route are both described. The lower viewpoint is the wheelchair-accessible section. For a photo, frame the pool below from the lower area, then go up for a closer view of the main drop.

Mist keeps the built trail damp, and the steps and nearby rocks can be slick or icy. Stay on the formed viewpoints. Dogs are not allowed on park trails; service animals are excepted.

Rainbow Creek rises near McAlester Mountain and Dee Dee Lakes and flows year-round, usually strongest during spring runoff in May and June. Continental ice carved Stehekin Valley deeper than the smaller Rainbow Creek valley, leaving a hanging valley; the creek cuts through the old glacial rubble before dropping over its edge. On a sunny day, spray can make a rainbow.

The start is beside the Rainbow Falls roadside parking and shuttle turnaround, about 3.5 miles from Stehekin Landing. The stop has a picnic table, interpretive sign, and restroom; plan how you’ll travel up the valley before heading out.