Rainbow Falls State Park

Rainbow Falls State Park is a public recreation area on the Chehalis River. It is situated off State Route 6 and is approximately 1.0 mile (1.6 km) east of Dryad, Washington. The state park's 129 acres (52 ha) rests on grounds originally part of an inland sea.

Geological features include 3,900 feet (1,200 m) of shoreline of basalt rock formed 17 million years ago and the waterfall for which the park is named. Surviving old-growth trees, some of the last standing in the Chehalis Valley, occupy the site. The park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, completed in 1935.

Flooding of the Chehalis River has led to several damages at the park, including the loss of some waterfall features and a popular footbridge after the Great Coastal Gale of 2007. Amenities include campgrounds, miles of trails, and can be accessed by a short spur route of the Willapa Hills Trail.

Rainbow Falls State Park occupies a particular place in the imagination of American public lands. As a State Park in Washington, it represents a deliberate choice — by the people who advocated for its protection, and by the National Park Service rangers who maintain it — to keep this landscape available to anyone willing to make the trip. That accessibility is the quiet miracle of the park system.

The pages linked below break the visit down into the four practical questions every traveler asks: where can I hike, where can I sleep, what else is worth seeing while I'm in the area, and what should I know before I show up. Each one is written from the perspective of someone planning their first trip — assume nothing, explain what's worth explaining, and skip the marketing language. If you've been here before, treat these guides as a refresher and a way to discover the corners you missed last time.

What this guide covers

Over the next four pages, this field guide breaks Rainbow Falls State Park into the practical questions every traveler asks: which trails are worth the effort, where to sleep both inside and outside the park boundary, what else is worth a stop in the surrounding region, and the small-but-essential tips that make the difference between a stressful first day and a smooth one. Use the navigation above to jump between sections, or read them in order — they're written to flow.

• Hikes — short loops, half-day trails, and backcountry routes
• Camping — drive-in campgrounds, RV sites, and backcountry permits
• Nearby attractions — gateway towns and adjacent public lands
• Visitor tips — timing, fees, weather, and what to skip

Logistics at a glance

Use this quick reference when you're putting together your itinerary. The figures below are the most-asked questions every visitor needs answered before arrival, summarized in one place.

Designation	State Park
State	Washington
Entrance fee	Varies — check the official park site below for current rates.
Visitor center hours	Most open daily 8–9am to 4:30–6pm. Reduced winter hours common.
Best months	Plan around the weather notes above.
Camping inside park	See the camping guide for campground details, fees, and reservation windows.
Nearby gateway towns	See nearby attractions for lodging and supply stops.