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Rainbow Creek Trail

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
48.3378, -120.6941 Map & Directions
Length
33.0 miles, roundtrip
Looking into McAlester Pass from the Rainbow Creek trail. Photo by MikeOnAHike.

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None
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The Rainbow Creek trail provides day-hike diversions to visitors to the Stehekin Valley, but you'll need more than a few hours to truly appreciate the full length of the trail. Continue reading

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Hiking Rainbow Creek Trail

The Rainbow Creek trail provides day-hike diversions to visitors to the Stehekin Valley, but you'll need more than a few hours to truly appreciate the full length of the trail.

A visit to the expansive meadows of McAlester Pass, the cool waters of Rainbow Lake, and the high country beyond beckon backpackers on a loop hike more than 30 miles long.

Rainbow Creek Trail

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.3378, -120.6941 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

A $26 backcountry permit is required to camp overnight in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex (incl. Ross Lake National Rec Area and Lake Chelan National Rec Area). Permits must be picked up in person at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount. See the National Park Service website for more information.

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Stehekin, take the shuttle bus or walk to the lower Rainbow Loop Trailhead, about 2.5 from the dock on the Stehekin Valley Road. To access the Rainbow Creek Trail from Hwy 20, drive to mile 159, marked for the Bridge Creek Trailhead.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

North Cascades National Park

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Rainbow Creek Trail

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