Rainbow-McAlester Loop — Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

Did this loop counter-clockwise over 4 days/3 nights, with camping at South Fork, Rainbow Meadows and McAlester Lake. No one else was staying at our campsites and we only saw few other backpackers and trail runners each day. Parking lot was basically empty but that might have been because it was under construction until the day we arrived, there were a number of cars parked safely along the highway. No bears or other wildlife this time.

Day 1 (Bridge Creek Parking to South Fork): Fairly hazy all day which fit perfectly with being mostly in the trees as we descended into the valley. South Fork is a nice little campsite, with a number of large open spots right next to the river for some nice white noise. Bear box was a nice touch.

Day 2 (South Fork to Rainbow Meadows): Haze was completely gone and it was a hot and glorious day up and down Rainbow Pass. Mostly wooded on the ascent but the final exposed miles on both sides of the pass have some great views of the mountains and Rainbow Lake. Rainbow Lake seems nice, didn't investigate the campsites but seems like it would be a good overnight. After rainbow lake you're mostly wooded with occasional meadows until the campsites. The backpacker sites were last (after group and stock), but were before where I anticipated (based on AllTrails, around what they labeled as the Stock Camp). There was nothing particularly special about this area but it was well off the trail and had some low but accessible water close by. Bear hang available but you'll need to bring your own rope.

Day 3 (Rainbow Meadows to McAlester Lake): Rain of varying intensities throughout the day. Mostly wooded as we descended to Bench Creek and ascended towards McAlester Pass, with some old fire-scapes after the fork. A good view of where you came from awaits near the top of the pass, followed by a beautiful walk through the McAlester Pass meadows that were so teeming with blueberries that I was shocked to not encounter any bears. High Camp looks like it'd be an amazing place to stargaze (though not sure where you'd get water). McAlester Lake camp by contrast is nestled back in the woods, well away from the water. The lake itself is pretty enough, especially on a sunny morning with steam flowing off it. For whatever reason it was one of the quietest nights I've ever experienced on a trail, it was quite creepy at times. Another bear hang wire was available.

Day 4 (McAlester Lake to Bridge Creek Parking): Nothing of particular note for the end, just a slow, steady climb back to the parking lot.

Overall this was a lovely loop, perhaps made extra nice by the isolation of this time of year. The worst part was the trail being absolutely covered in horse manure, which was avoidable but annoying. 4 days was a perfect length for us but those in better shape could probably do it in 3 easily. There aren't a million sights to be seen but the ones you do get are great.