Rainbow Falls is a popular waterfall within the boundaries of Glacier National Park, in the Glacier County portion. The beautiful falls are down a short hike that’s considered easy, making it a great option for families with younger kids, lower conditioning, or mobility limitations.
Rainbow Falls, Glacier County
On some websites, the falls are confused with the unofficially named “Rainbow Glacier Falls” in the Flathead County portion of the park. Be sure you’re headed out on the right trail before you go, by checking for the correct latitude and longitude listed below.
Rainbow Falls Stats
Rainbows Falls is a smaller, but highly popular waterfall to visit within Glacier National Park. The beautiful falls are easy for families to reach, so the trails may be crowded during peak hours, but the hike and falls are well worth the time and crowds, according to most casual hikers.
- Location: Glacier National Park, Glacier County, Montana
- Latitude: 48.9491506°N
- Longitude: -113.898364°W
- Stream: Unknown
- Elevation: 4245 feet
- Season: Spring to autumn
- Campgrounds and RV parks nearby: 20+ campgrounds located within the park or nearby, with hundreds of sites available
Recreational Activities Near Rainbow Falls
There are lots to do around Rainbow Falls, thanks to its fantastic location within Glacier National Park. You could literally spend months here, seeing and doing everything – and you still wouldn’t actually manage it all.
So, while you’re here, focus your time on the things you most want to see and do, from hiking to backcountry camping, swimming, nature photography, or trail running.
Swimming
Can you swim in Rainbow Falls? Swimming in waterfalls is never recommended, and at Rainbow Falls, it is restricted and should never be done. The current at any waterfall can be highly dangerous and particularly so with falls like Rainbow, where the flow is so dramatically changing by season.
Instead, find other bodies of water within the park to swim in, like Margaret Lake, Lake Josephine, or Grinnell Lake in the backcountry.
Just be warned: many bodies of water within the park are frigid year round, due to the glacier melt and mountain drainage.
Boating
A popular option throughout much of Glacier National Park, boating may be done in many lakes, rivers, and streams. Some of the bodies of water, like Ipasha Lake, are portage only, while others are easy to access via rentals and easy boat access points.
Kintla Lake, Lake Josephine, Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, Two Medicine Lake, and Swiftcurrent Lake are some of the most popular boating spots in the park. Be sure to check details before choosing your location, though, as some have boat type restrictions, meaning no motorboats in some areas.
If you don’t have a boat of your own, there are many outfitters in the area that have options. Some of the most popular companies include
- Rentals and Tours with Sea Me Paddle
- Rentals and Tours and rentals from Many Glacier
- Rentals from Glacier Outfitters
White Water Rafting
White water rafting is another highly popular activity within Glacier NP. The sport is certainly adventurous with thrills a mile a minute, depending on the locale.
Many companies offer a variety of trip lengths and types, as well as skill levels and interests. Some also include special add-ons like snacks, meals, or lodging, as well as longer trips that would include all of the above. Be sure to check packages bef