A rare cluster of old-growth trees creates an inspiring shadow to stand in.
Rainbow Falls State Park, 16 miles west of Chehalis, is a walker's paradise. Miles of loamy trails wind through the forest and along the river, to a small cascade that throws rainbows of spray at the sun.
Tree lovers, maybe you'd rather see towering Douglas-fir, western hemlock and western red cedar trees from your bike or the back of your steed. Many of the park trails are mixed-use, and if you need more, take to the nearby Willapa Hills State Park Trail, a rails-to-trails fixture that goes over trestles and bridges, through forest, farmland and tiny towns.
Rainbow Falls is the obvious overnight stop for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders tackling the developed 22 miles of Willapa Hills Trail from Chehalis to Pe El. Such explorers may stay at hiker/biker campsites, or camp with their horses in one of two equestrian sites. Freshwater fishing and swimming are also on offer at this classic state park.
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, Rainbow Falls showcases several structures designed in the rustic style of the National Park Service during the Great Depression, including kitchen shelters and comfort stations still in use today.
PARK FEATURES
Rainbow Falls State Park is a 129-acre camping park with 3,400 feet of freshwater shoreline on the main stem of the Chehalis River.
PICNIC & DAY-USE FACILITIES
The park provides one reservable kitchen shelter with water, electricity, and 10 picnic tables. There are 20 additional day-use picnic tables, available first come, first served. To reserve the kitchen shelter, reservations can be made year round online or by calling 1-888-226-7688. A Discover Pass is required for access to all day-use facilities.
ACTIVITIES
TRAILS
3 miles of hiking trails
Spur trail to the Willapa Hills Trail
WATER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
Fishing (freshwater)
Swimming - Chehalis River
(no designated swim area; no lifeguards)
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Bird watching
Horseshoe pits (2)
Interpretive activities
Softball field
Wildlife viewing
CAMPSITE INFORMATION
The park has 40 standard campsites, eight partial-hookup sites, three hiker/biker sites, two equestrian sites. There is one dump station, three restrooms, the campground restroom has two showers. The showers are token operated. The token machine is located at the park entrance station. Maximum camp site length is 60 feet (may have limited availability).
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time is 1 p.m.
