Rainbow Creek Trail in North Cascades National Park

Rainbow Creek Trail

The Rainbow Creek Trail connects the Stehekin Valley to McAllester Pass.

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Rainbow Creek Trail Details

The Rainbow Creek Trail connects the Stehekin Valley to McAllester Pass. The lower reaches of this trail are a popular short day hike, and offer great views over Lake Chelan and the surrounding peaks; there are good picnicking areas in the boulder-strewn meadows. The lower meadows are fairly easy to reach, but the upper sections of the trail that climb to the wide, wildflower-filled meadows of McAllester Pass require a lot more effort to reach. They are quieter and and offer more camping options, however. There are connecting trails to Rainbow and McAlester Lakes. The trailhead is at mile 2.6 on the Stehekin Valley Road.

Difficulty

High

Distance

19.4 miles

Estimated time

8 hours

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Rainbow Creek Trail

Compare nearby parks around Rainbow Creek Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

34.7 mi away

North Cascades

National Park · WA

117.7 mi away

Mount Rainier

National Park · WA

126.8 mi away

Olympic

National Park · WA

293.0 mi away

Banff

National Park · Canada

307.6 mi away

Glacier

National Park · MT

382.3 mi away

Crater Lake

National Park · OR

Nearby Points of Interest Around Rainbow Creek Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Rainbow Creek Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Rainbow Loop Trail

The Rainbow Loop Trail is actually just a regular trail with two trailheads.

0.4 mi away

Buckner Orchard Walk

The Buckner Orchard Walk is a short, family friendly hike that give insights into Stehekin's cultural and natural history.

1.1 mi away

Stehekin Pastry Company

The Stehekin Pastry Company is a locally owned and operated bakery offering baked goods, coffee, ice cream, and limited breakfast and lunch items.

1.1 mi away

Stehekin Log Cabins

The Stehekin Log Cabins are comfortable rustic cabins located behind the popular Stehekin Pastry Company.

1.3 mi away

The Stehekin Mountain Cabin

The Stehekin Mountain Cabin is a secluded timber-frame cabin set in the shade of pines and firs near the lakeshore.