Rainbow Loop
Central CascadesBest May–Oct
A short, rewarding loop near Stehekin Landing with waterfall views and Lake Chelan vistas through recovering burn forest.
About This Trail
Rainbow Loop connects two trailheads along Stehekin Valley Road in a horseshoe shape, passing through forest recovering from the 2010 Rainbow Bridge fire. The route gains about 1,000 feet through switchbacks before leveling off at a viewpoint area with sightlines down toward the head of Lake Chelan. Rainbow Falls, one of Stehekin's signature attractions, sits near the lower trailhead.
The upper trailhead starts about three-quarters of a mile past the Harlequin Campground turnoff. Most hikers take the Stehekin shuttle to one end and walk back to the other. The shaded early sections through standing timber give way to open burn terrain with wildflower growth and broader views. A few long-standing blowdowns cross the trail but pose no serious obstacle.
This trail works well as a half-day outing while visiting Stehekin. Dogs on leash are welcome, and the moderate grade suits families with older children. The lower trailhead sits less than a mile past the Stehekin Pastry Company, making a post-hike pastry stop practically mandatory.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Hiked from the lower trailhead.”
Last report: Oct 11, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazards
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
- Trees Down
Persistent Hazards
- Bridge over Rainbow Creek removed for repairs - ford may be risky
- Exposed burn sections catch wind in winter
Getting There
No parking pass required. Stehekin is boat-access only. Shuttle bus runs along the valley road ($7 cash). Bikes available for rent at Discovery Bikes near the ferry landing.
Access Stehekin by Lady of the Lake ferry from Chelan. The lower trailhead sits about 3 miles from the ferry landing, just past the Stehekin Pastry Company. The upper trailhead is three-quarters of a mile past the Harlequin Campground bridge. The Stehekin shuttle bus connects both trailheads to the landing. This is a horseshoe route, not a true loop, so plan for a shuttle or road walk between trailheads.
Time the hike around the ferry schedule. An overnight stay in Stehekin makes this much more relaxed than trying to squeeze it into a day-trip ferry window.
Recent Reports
Hiked from the lower trailhead. A few trees down on the trail, been there for a few years.
Perfect fall day for a short day hike! Started at the upper end of the loop trail (Rainbow Loop Trailhead, 3/4 mile past the turnoff and bridge to Harlequin Campground), which has some moderate elevation gain for the first couple miles before leveling off and then dropping back down to the Stehekin Valley Road.
We started from the upper trailhead about 9:30 AM. The first half of the hike is wooded and the shade was welcome while we climbed the switchbacks.
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