Rainbow Falls Mist Trail
Central CascadesBest May–Oct
A 312-foot waterfall in the roadless Stehekin Valley, reached only by ferry and worth every minute of the trip.
About This Trail
Rainbow Falls drops 312 feet from Rainbow Creek into the Stehekin Valley, and this short trail gets you close enough to feel the spray. The NPS trail crew built switchbacks with stairsteps up a hillside shoulder beside the falls, with two separate viewpoints offering different angles on the cascade. The whole thing takes maybe 15 minutes, but the falls themselves are worth lingering over.
The trail sits in the heart of Stehekin, which means getting here requires the Lady of the Lake ferry or the Stehekin Ferry from Chelan. Once in the valley, four daily shuttle buses run from the landing, or you can rent bikes from Discovery Bikes near the dock. Most visitors pair the falls with other Stehekin stops like Buckner Orchard, the one-room schoolhouse, or the Stehekin Pastry Company.
The mist from the falls keeps the trail damp year-round, so watch your footing on the steps and switchbacks. In cold weather, ice can form. Ponderosa pines near the trailhead scent the air, and old-growth forest frames the view. No dogs allowed, no pass required, and a vault toilet sits at the trailhead. This is the most popular day-visit stop in the valley for good reason.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Took a bike to the trailhead from my tent by the dock and — wow… just awesome!”
Last report: May 11, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Slippery trail surface from constant mist
- Ice on steps and switchbacks in cold weather
Getting There
Small pullout at trailhead with room for a few cars. Vault toilet available. Most visitors arrive via shuttle bus or bicycle from the Stehekin landing.
Take the Lady of the Lake or Stehekin Ferry from Chelan. From the Stehekin landing, use one of four daily shuttle buses or rent bikes from Discovery Bikes for the ride up-valley to the falls.
Timing depends entirely on the ferry and shuttle schedule. Check Lady of the Lake departure times and shuttle connections before planning your day. The trail itself takes 15 minutes.
Recent Reports
Took a bike to the trailhead from my tent by the dock and — wow… just awesome! No need for a shower with all of the spray (I definitely needed a parka though)!
There are two short trails to explore. The trail to the right leads to a view of the lower falls.
Toilet at TH: Vault toilet Parking: Room for a few cars Stopped here on our way back to town after a hike deeper in the valley. It's a beautiful waterfall with two vantage points that requires limited time and effort.
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