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Rainbow Falls State Park
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.
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.
Discover Pass: A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
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
Additional information
- A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
- Printable park brochure (PDF).
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.
Group accommodations
The park has one group camp that accommodates 14 camping units and up to 60 people. Fees vary with size of the group. To reserve the group camp, reservations can be made year round online or by calling 888-226-7688.
Reservation & Fees
Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or 888-226-7688. For fee information, check out our camping rates page.
Historical information
The park, along with several log structures on the premises, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935.
Park maps
Weather forecast
Contact Us
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Rainbow Falls State Park
633 Leudinghaus Road
Chehalis, WA 98532
Phone: (360) 291-3767
Campsite accommodations
Phone: (888) 226-7688
Group accommodations
Reserve online or by calling 1-888-226-7688
Hours
Summer
8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Winter
8 a.m. - dusk
The park is open year round for camping and day use.
Park winter schedule
Directions
Rainbow Falls State Park is located on Highway 6.
East from I-5: Take exit 77 and travel west for 16 miles. At mile 13, watch for the signs for the park, and turn right onto theMay Bridge; turn left onto Leudinghaus Road.
West from 101 (Raymond/South Bend): Take Highway 6 out of Raymond, and travel 40 miles. At mile 38, look for the park directional sign, and turn left onto the Chandler Bridge, and right onto Leudinghaus Road.