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Rainbow Loop Trail
The Rainbow Loop Trail is actually just a regular trail with two trailheads.
Plan Around Rainbow Loop Trail
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Rainbow Loop Trail Details
The Rainbow Loop Trail is actually just a regular trail with two trailheads: upper valley and lower valley. The loop can be made by combining the trails, but each is enjoyable enough on its own to be individual out-and-back trails. To hike the loop, follow the trail from the lower trailhead. The trail begins in a ponderosa pine forest and slowly climbs 1,000 feet to the bottom of a shallow valley and looks out over another, more expansive, U-shaped hanging valley -- Stehekin Valley -- formed by the freezing of glaciers and erosion by water during the the Ice Age. The glaciers didn't stop at that: the bottom of the valley that you're standing is also a hanging valley -- Rainbow Creek Valley -- carved into the slopes of Stehekin Valley. Continuing past the the junction with Boulder Creek Trail, the trail reaches it's highest point at a large rocky outcrop overlooking Lake Chelan, the Buckner Homestead, and the Skagit River. From here, the trail begins to slowly descend through an area scorched by 2010 forest fires that only only just beginning to show signs of recovery. Follow the brightly colored rainbow signs to return to the trailhead. The signed trailhead is on Stehekin Valley Road, five miles from the boat landing.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
8.8 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Rainbow Loop Trail
Compare nearby parks around Rainbow Loop Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Rainbow Loop Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Rainbow Loop Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Rainbow Creek Trail
The Rainbow Creek Trail connects the Stehekin Valley to McAllester Pass.
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.
