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Rainbow Falls
Overview
Rainbow Falls State Park in Chehalis offers a serene escape into one of Washington’s last remaining stands of old-growth forest. Established in 1935, the park retains much of its historic character thanks to the craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps. It provides a peaceful atmosphere where the sound of the Chehalis River serves as a constant, soothing backdrop for campers seeking a deep connection with the natural world and a break from the digital grind.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Lewis County, the park is conveniently located off Highway 6, making it an easy detour for those traveling between the I-5 corridor and the Pacific coast. The surrounding area is characterized by dense woodland and the winding Chehalis River, which flows directly through the park. This lush, green environment provides a cool, shaded canopy that is especially refreshing for travelers during the warmer summer months.
Amenities & Park Features
While the park provides a rustic atmosphere, it includes essential features for a comfortable RV stay:
- Eight utility sites offering water and electrical hookups for rigs.
- A convenient dump station located near the park entrance for easy access.
- Access to clean restrooms and coin-operated shower facilities.
The historic log structures and stone fireplaces scattered throughout the grounds add a unique, vintage charm to the camping experience, reflecting the park's long history and timeless forest aesthetic.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the direct access to the Willapa Hills State Park Trail, a 56-mile rails-to-trails project perfect for biking and hiking. Within the park, visitors can explore over three miles of forested trails or spend the afternoon fishing for steelhead in the river. The small but scenic waterfall that gives the park its name remains a popular spot for photography and quiet reflection by the water's edge.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal fit for RVers who prefer a tranquil, forest-oriented experience over the hustle of high-density commercial resorts. It is best suited for those with smaller to mid-sized rigs who value historic surroundings and access to extensive trail systems. If you are looking for a basecamp to explore Lewis County or a quiet overnight stop on your way to the ocean, this park delivers a true Pacific Northwest vibe.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jeri York
Nice park. Camping spots, trails, water to swim (kinda), views. Very nice, clean, bathrooms, parking. Discovery pass.
KuLiTz Ohana
It is a nice campground. Lots of trails to walk to. They do have water area for washing dishes for people that camp. Bathroom are nice and clean.
Michael Hunt
A favorite destination for my family and me. We've been back several times. This is not "hardcore camping" but a nice state campground with good amenities and a nice river you can play in. Dog friendly as long as you keep the leashed. 🙂👍
John Ohlson
Nice place to camp, quiet, shady, lots of trees. Access to the river is difficult, there are no formal paths to the water that don't require climbing down a dirt & rock embankment. Not ADA accessible to the river.
C Otter
High marks for beauty, historic locale. No visual privacy at camp sites. A couple nice walks available without having to drive to the other side of the river. Very shady. For early season camping that made it chillier than expected and lots of low-hanging smoke on cloudy day. Restrooms a little underwhelming. 47 camping spots and a group camp going on - the little buildings got a heavy workout. Like all Washington state parks, a Discover pass is required. People were courteous. I enjoyed a walking tour of Chehalis before driving to this park.
Tammy French
Stopped to stretch our legs. The day use area has a meadow with fire pits. The bathroom is clean, heated and has soap. The trail to see above the falls is super easy. The water looks like a great swim. We watched kayakers go over the falls. The campground was nice.
April Porter
It’s always an adventure when we come here. They offer camp sites and also camp sites with your horse. I highly do not recommend drinking any water from here. The water has a very bad smell to it. At first I thought it was the hand soap nope it was the water. I wouldn’t even allow my dog to drink the water from here. It’s always a good idea to have filtered water or water bottles. We enjoyed our walk here and also the Willapa Hills Trails go on and on. They also have bike trails and hiking trails.
Cindy Rhodes
What a beautiful park this is! MY husband and I came here and walked on both sides of the river. The path along the river is about a mile long and the one across the street has multiple paths and varied distances. We walked the longest routes all the way around the entire site. The air is pristine and filled with the sound of the many little waterfalls along the way. This is a great place for anyone who wants a nice clean park for walks and picnics. Also, the bathrooms were very clean and spacious!
corinne Johnson
Looked like a pleasant campground. The bathroom/shower building was clean. The campsites looked level and spacious. We will be making a trip back to camp in the near future.
Robert Ochs
Rainbow Falls, seems to imply a water fall. When we arrived the ranger was very nice. I asked her about how big the waterfalls was. She replied it is more like a cascade. I then asked does it have a rainbow and she said sometimes. So we paid $10 for day access pass. Drove and parked, walked a short distance an could hear the water running. We went down a steep, wet & Rocky embankment. There it was, the water running, cascade as mentioned and no rainbow. It was still beautiful and the trees are awesome. Just not sure how the park got its name.