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Rainbow Falls Trails
4.5 ★★★★★ 242 Google reviews · Running trail in Chehalis, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Rainbow Falls Trails' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic park featuring waterfalls and a river for hiking, camping and swimming.
What runners say about Rainbow Falls Trails
“The air is clean and crisp and the waterfall is beautiful.”
“This gorgeous State Park just happens to be nearby and it's another natural beauty in a state full of beauty.”
“If you follow the park's path and stay to the left there are steps down, than root steps, than a water cut, that is easy to follow ( I did it with a baby on my chest).”
“Beautiful and peaceful place to walk the trails, or even down next to the water.”
There is no bridge across the river to access the hiking trails from Rainbow Falls State Park-- you have to drive over to the parking area. The trails are trimmed, clear, and easy to navigate. There are several short loops with easy grades and plenty of big fir and cedar trees.
What a delicious out-of-the-way spot! The air is clean and crisp and the waterfall is beautiful. You can park on the roadside with ample space. They also have campsites and trails here: we will try those next time!
Loved this trail! The entrance is off the highway instead of at the park but it was easy to find parking. Did several loops. So beautiful. Have to cross the highway to enter, no bathroom (some at park).
This gorgeous State Park just happens to be nearby and it's another natural beauty in a state full of beauty. With easy trails, Chehalis river running through the Park, hiking, walking, biking, horseback riding, white water rafting, camping, wildlife and even a waterfall, this park is worth stopping for.
Trail conditions & character
“This gorgeous State Park just happens to be nearby and it's another natural beauty in a state full of beauty.”
“Have to cross the highway to enter, no bathroom (some at park).”
“If you follow the people made path, rocky, steep, slightly challenging way to the top of falls.”
“There is plenty of room, lots of things for a dog to sniff and check out, and great space for a picnic.”
“There is no bridge across the river to access the hiking trails from Rainbow Falls State Park-- you have to drive over to the parking area.”
“There are several short loops with easy grades and plenty of big fir and cedar trees.”
“Beautiful and peaceful place to walk the trails, or even down next to the water.”
“It's not paved and there's gravel in only parts of the path.”
“If you follow the people made path, rocky, steep, slightly challenging way to the top of falls.”
Plan your run at Rainbow Falls Trails
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.wa.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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