Lake · Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Rainbow Lake
7.9 mi round trip2,766 ft gainHardDay hike: Free self-issueOvernight: Free self-issue
Get alerts for this hikePermits and reservations
Day hikeFree self-issue
Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead kiosk.
OvernightFree self-issue
No reservation. Use the same free permit, keep groups to 12 or fewer, and camp at least 200 ft from water.
Alpine Lakes Wilderness rules from the Forest Service. Matched from official wilderness boundaries. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.
About the trail
Distance7.9 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain2,766 ftTotal climb, round trip
Lake elevation4,265 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Rainbow Lake is a lake reached by a 7.9-mile round trip from Ira Spring Trailhead. The route follows Ira Spring Trail, then Mount Defiance Trail to the shore.
Photos from hikers
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What you need
Parking and passes
Forest Service trailhead: display a Northwest Forest Pass or an interagency pass (America the Beautiful).
Buy a Northwest Forest PassGetting there
The hike starts at Ira Spring Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.