Rainbow Falls State Park

Rainbow Falls State Park: Old-Growth Forest Haven on the Chehalis River

Rainbow Falls State Park offers visitors a rare glimpse of ancient old-growth forest alongside the rushing Chehalis River in Chehalis. This 139-acre camping park centers around its namesake rainbow-crowned waterfall, where cascading waters create natural prisms over 17-million-year-old basalt rock formations. The park serves as a gateway to the 56-mile Willapa Hills Trail, making it a favored overnight stop for long-distance hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.

Rainbow Falls State Park Fast Facts

Park Overview

Rainbow Falls State Park preserves some of the last remaining old-growth forest in the Chehalis Valley, featuring towering Douglas fir, hemlock, and western red cedar trees alongside big leaf maples and red alder. The park’s centerpiece waterfall was formed by ancient lava flows from Oregon approximately 17 million years ago, creating the dramatic basalt formations that produce rainbow effects in the mist. The 3,400 feet of Chehalis River shoreline provides both scenic beauty and recreational opportunities for visitors seeking respite in this ancient forest setting.

This unique combination of old-growth habitat and river access makes Rainbow Falls State Park particularly appealing to nature enthusiasts and long-distance trail users. The park serves as an official stop along the Willapa Hills Trail, a 56-mile converted railroad route that spans from Chehalis to South Bend, offering cyclists, hikers, and equestrians a chance to rest in a pristine forest environment before continuing their journey.

Activities & Recreation

The park’s trail system includes the popular Oxalis Loop, Deer Trail, Hemlock Trail, and Salal Trail, all winding through the ancient forest canopy. A self-guided nature walk educates visitors about the old-growth ecosystem and its inhabitants, including deer, elk, and seasonal wildlife. The small fuchsia garden near the main camping area showcases more than 40 varieties of these colorful flowers, providing a cultivated contrast to the wild forest surroundings.

Facilities & Amenities

Rainbow Falls State Park provides comprehensive visitor facilities including restrooms, showers, and a trailer dump station. Two kitchen shelters serve day-use visitors, with the larger shelter accommodating up to 50 people and featuring electricity, water, and 15 picnic tables (reservations required). An additional 21 unsheltered picnic tables are available first-come, first-served. Recreation amenities include one softball field, two horseshoe pits, and ample parking areas. The park maintains accessible restrooms, campsites, and parking to serve visitors with mobility needs.

Camping & Accommodations

The park offers 53 total campsites with options for every type of camper. Forty standard campsites and eight utility sites with partial hookups accommodate RVs up to 60 feet in length. Five primitive sites include three designated hiker/biker sites and two equestrian sites for horse campers. A group camp accommodates up to 60 people in 14 camping units and includes two RV hookups with water access. All individual campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while the group camp and kitchen shelter require reservations by calling the park directly at (360) 291-3767.

Planning Your Visit

Rainbow Falls State Park operates year-round with seasonal hour adjustments from 8:00 AM to dusk. Winter schedules may include reduced services or partial closures, so visitors should check current conditions before arriving. The park requires a Discover Pass for day visits, available as an annual pass for $30 or daily pass for $10. Located at 4008 State Highway 6 in Chehalis, the park sits approximately 17 miles west of Interstate 5, making it easily accessible for both day trips and extended camping stays. The town of Pe Ell provides additional services just a few miles west of the park entrance.

What to Bring & Know

• River conditions can change rapidly during winter and spring months, so check water levels before swimming or fishing activities
• Bridge access to trails on the south side of the river was damaged in 2007 floods, requiring roadside parking along Highway 6 for trail access
• The Willapa Hills Trail continues to develop, with some sections still under construction
• Old-growth forest provides natural cooling in summer but can be muddy during wet seasons
• Fuchsia garden blooms best during spring and summer months for optimal viewing

Final Word

Rainbow Falls State Park combines the rare beauty of old-growth forest with the recreational appeal of river access and long-distance trail connections, making it an ideal base camp for exploring the natural and cultural heritage of the Chehalis Valley.

This park is part of the Explore Washington State Parks Directory—showcasing all of Washington’s State Parks from the rugged Pacific coast to the Cascade peaks. Whether you’re camping under old-growth forests, hiking scenic trails, or discovering local history, we’re highlighting the places where people connect with the state’s incredible natural and cultural heritage—all year long.