Rainbow Falls Trails
Hiking area
0.1 mi
4.5 (238)
4019-3979, WA-6, Chehalis, WA 98532
RiverWA
Rainbow Falls State Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Rainbow Falls State Park with main-entrance directions, camping information and river precautions. No designated swimming area or lifeguards.
Swimming restriction
Washington State Parks lists swimming in the Chehalis River, but there is no designated swimming area or lifeguards. Follow current signs and staff guidance; this is not a supervised beach or a verified beginner swimming site.
Official sources checked:
Water type
River
Access
Informal
Fee
Discover Pass requirements apply to day-use vehicle access; confirm current fees and exemptions.
Best season
Check park alerts, river conditions and seasonal facility availability before visiting
Nearby towns
Tacoma, Olympia, Chehalis, Doty
Water body
Chehalis River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Tacoma, Olympia, Chehalis, Doty
Access location not verified
46.63117, -123.23431
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Rainbow Falls State Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
River recreation without a designated swim area
Rainbow Falls State Park offers camping, forest walks and Chehalis River scenery. Washington State Parks lists swimming as an activity, but states that there is no designated swimming area or lifeguards. Treat this as river recreation, not a supervised beach. The appearance of calm water does not establish safe depth, current or footing.
Main park access and facilities
Use 633 Leudinghaus Road for the main park. The bridge that linked it to the south-side forest trails and State Route 6 washed out in 2007, so do not assume those routes connect. Consult the park map and staff for your intended access.
Restrooms, showers, drinking water, picnic tables and reservable campsites are listed. A kitchen-shelter restoration alert runs through December 2026; confirm its status before relying on that facility. Day-use vehicle visits are subject to Discover Pass requirements. Check current fees, exemptions, seasonal operations and alerts before traveling.
Getting There
Navigate to Rainbow Falls State Park at 633 Leudinghaus Road, Chehalis, WA 98532. Use the official park map for the main park entrance rather than treating a roadside trail pullout on State Route 6 as the campground entrance.
The bridge connecting the main park with the south-side forest trails and State Route 6 washed out in 2007. Do not plan a crossing there. Follow current signs and ask park staff about the appropriate river access for your visit; this listing does not identify a verified water-entry route.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Main park and south-side forest trail access are distinct. No designated swimming area or lifeguards. Do not use a general park map pin as a verified water-entry point.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Washington State Parks lists swimming in the Chehalis River, but there is no designated swimming area or lifeguards. Follow current signs and staff guidance; this is not a supervised beach or a verified beginner swimming site. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Rainbow Falls State Park
State park
0.2 mi
4.3 (634)
633 Leudinghaus Rd, Chehalis, WA 98532
139-acre camping park on the Skagit River with a waterfall, a fuchsia garden, trails & swimming.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
American Heritage Campground
Campground
26.3 mi
4.6 (477)
9610 Kimmie St SW, Olympia, WA 98512
Olympia Campground & Fuel
Campground
27.5 mi
3.9 (123)
1441 83rd Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98512
Saltwater shoreline park amid forested surrounds offering a man-made scuba reef, marine life & more.
Olympic National Forest Headquarters
National forest
30.9 mi
4.9 (15)
1835 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98512
Public restroomRestroom
Olympia, National Forest Supervisor's Office
Forestry service
30.9 mi
4.7 (7)
1835 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98512
Watershed Park Parking
Parking lot
31.9 mi
4.6 (55)
2500 Henderson Blvd SE, Olympia, WA 98501
East Plaza Restrooms
Public bathroom
32.1 mi
5 (1)
24P2+8G, Olympia, WA 98504
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Rainbow Falls State Park
Is Rainbow Falls State Park free to visit?
Reported fee information: Discover Pass requirements apply to day-use vehicle access; confirm current fees and exemptions. Verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at Rainbow Falls State Park?
Washington State Parks lists swimming in the Chehalis River, but there is no designated swimming area or lifeguards. Follow current signs and staff guidance; this is not a supervised beach or a verified beginner swimming site.
What type of swimming spot is Rainbow Falls State Park?
Rainbow Falls State Park is a river on Chehalis River located in Washington, near Tacoma. Plan Rainbow Falls State Park with main-entrance directions, camping information and river precautions. No designated swimming area or lifeguards.
When is the best time to visit Rainbow Falls State Park?
Seasonal planning notes: Check park alerts, river conditions and seasonal facility availability before visiting. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather. Check current conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at Rainbow Falls State Park?
Reported facilities at Rainbow Falls State Park include: The park lists restrooms, showers, water, picnic tables and camping. Its alert closes the kitchen shelter for restoration through December 2026; confirm status before planning to use it. Amenities can change - contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near Rainbow Falls State Park?
Reservable campsites and group camping. Check seasonal availability with Washington State Parks.
Highlights
Chehalis River scenery
Camping and forest trails
Connection to Willapa Hills Trail
No designated swim area or lifeguards
Unique Features
Riverfront park with forest trails and camping
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- There are no lifeguards or designated swimming area
- River conditions and footing can change
- Do not assume that a scenic cascade is safe for swimming or jumping
- Supervise children near water and follow posted restrictions
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
River and forest views from permitted routes. Stay on stable ground and respect campers' privacy.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Use established routes, pack out litter and follow current fire restrictions.
Explore More Nearby Swimming Guides
More Washington swimming holes
Browse every listed natural swimming spot in Washington.
Swimming holes near Tacoma
Compare nearby options around Tacoma before you choose a route.
River swimming holes
Find similar river destinations across the directory.
Hidden gems in Washington
See under-the-radar places and local favorites in the same state.
Family-friendly spots in Washington
Compare easier-access destinations and safer planning options.
Washington waterfall swimming spots
Explore waterfall-focused swimming destinations in Washington.
You Might Also Like
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check park alerts, river conditions and seasonal facility availability before visiting.
Difficulty Level
Varies by route. Accessible park amenities do not establish accessible river entry; confirm your intended route with park staff.
Fee
Discover Pass requirements apply to day-use vehicle access; confirm current fees and exemptions.
Facilities
The park lists restrooms, showers, water, picnic tables and camping. Its alert closes the kitchen shelter for restoration through December 2026; confirm status before planning to use it.
Activities
Swimming
Phone
(360) 291-3767
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Reservable campsites and group camping. Check seasonal availability with Washington State Parks.
Nearby Attractions
- Willapa Hills Trail - Multiuse Trail
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
Explore More Swimming Holes
Discover other amazing natural swimming destinations across America