Rainbow Falls State Park

Star4.12
160 reviews
Rainbow Falls State Park

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Washington State Parks site

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Rainbow Falls State Park
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Day-use fee reported as $10 (or covered by a Washington State Discover Pass, often noted as a $30 pass). Showers are token-operated (bring small...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 160 reviews

515 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

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"Reviewers praise Rainbow Falls for its peaceful, shaded forest setting along the Chehalis River, family‑friendly amenities, clean restrooms and easy access to swimming holes and the Willapa Hills Trail. Common downsides noted are that the waterfall is modest (more a cascade/rapids), some crowding/noise and limited restroom locations during peak season."

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Best Time to Camp at Rainbow Falls State Park

Summer brings the crowds and the fun—families splashing in the river, campsites buzzing with activity—though you'll notice the falls become more modest as water levels drop through late summer and early fall. For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting during spring or fall when the park takes on a peaceful, unhurried character and you'll have more space to yourself. The falls are most impressive when water flows are higher in spring and early summer.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Rainbow Falls State Park

    Tucked along the meandering Chehalis River, Rainbow Falls State Park invites you into a world of shaded forest campsites, refreshing river swimming holes, and sun-drenched meadows perfect for afternoon picnics. This intimate forested retreat offers something for everyone—from RV hookups to tent sites, horse camping to group accommodations—making it a beloved summer destination that fills up fast, so book your spot early.
    Developed state park campground with a mix of site types including RV sites with hookups, tent sites, equestrian/horse camping and a group camp with A‑frame shelters.
    Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the crowds and the fun—families splashing in the river, campsites buzzing with activity—though you'll notice the falls become more modest as water levels drop through late summer and early fall. For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting during spring or fall when the park takes on a peaceful, unhurried character and you'll have more space to yourself. The falls are most impressive when water flows are higher in spring and early summer.
    Natural Features and SceneryThe park's namesake falls tumble over ancient basalt rock, carving out inviting pools and swimming holes that beckon on warm days. Wander beneath a canopy of second-growth evergreens punctuated by impressive old-growth giants, where sword ferns carpet the forest floor in emerald green. When you're ready for sunshine, emerge into the expansive meadow near the day-use area, or explore the connecting trails that link to the scenic Willapa Hills Trail for longer adventures.
    Geological RegionChehalis River corridor over rugged basalt rock (western Washington riparian/Willapa Hills area)
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
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    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

    Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (washington.goingtocamp.com)

    Accomodation available

    GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Cell phone service
    Flush toilets
    Vault toilets
    Electricity hookups
    Water hookups

    Activities you can enjoy

    Rainbow Falls State Park centers on river access and a shaded forested campground with trails and multi‑use connections to the Willapa Hills Trail. Popular activities include swimming and river play, short hikes to viewpoints, biking along the rail‑trail, and fishing in the Chehalis River.
    Hiking
    Short, easy trails along the river and wooded loops within the park; connection to the Willapa Hills Trail for longer hikes and bike rides. Some trail infrastructure (e.g., a bridge) has been reported as removed, so conditions vary.
    Fishing
    Fishing on the Chehalis River is reported (anglers and sightings of coho salmon and fish fry noted).
    Swimming
    River has pools, swimming holes and spots for wading and jumping near the cascade/rapids; water is cold and access can be steep or rocky in places.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsRiver edges and rock approaches can be slippery/treacherous; waterfall area can be hazardous when accessing the river. Some reviewers advise not to drink park tap water (reported odor). Entrance road and site turn‑ins are narrow and can be difficult for large RVs.

    Weather at Rainbow Falls State Park

    47
    °F
    Dec 14
    Sunday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 58%
    Wind: 5.9 mph
    Overcast

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    Good to know

    Common complaintsThe 'falls' are small and can be underwhelming at low flow; limited restroom/shower buildings serving many sites (leading to long walks and occasional crowding); some site loops feel close together and can be noisy in summer; occasional lack of hot water in showers; narrow entrance roads and tight turns that challenge larger RVs.

    Campground Map

    Rainbow Falls State Park
    Nearby places
    Pe Ell (~5 miles west)
    Chehalis (local supply town
    distance not specified)
    Nearby supplies
    Local small towns such as Pe Ell and Chehalis (used by campers for supplies
    distances not specified)

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.1
    160 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Rainbow Falls State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers praise Rainbow Falls for its peaceful, shaded forest setting along the Chehalis River, family‑friendly amenities, clean restrooms and easy access to swimming holes and the Willapa Hills Trail. Common downsides noted are that the waterfall is modest (more a cascade/rapids), some crowding/noise and limited restroom locations during peak season.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 160 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Quiet, tall‑tree forested campsites; Chehalis River access with swimming holes and fishing; clean, historic restrooms and token showers; proximity to the Willapa Hills Trail; a large sunny day‑use...
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    Based on 160 reviews

    Common Concerns

    The most frequent complaint in reviews is the **restroom situation**: campers state there is effectively only one main restroom/shower building for 40+ sites, making for a very long walk from many...
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    Based on 160 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reserve ahead for summer; choose creek/river‑adjacent sites for ambiance; pick sites near restrooms if you prefer shorter walks at night; bring shower tokens/coins and bottled or filtered water (a...
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    Based on 160 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "We had spot #30 and it was great!"; "There aren't any 'falls', just a little stretch of rapids."
    Based on 160 reviews

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    Last updated December 14, 2025
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