Hike to Rainbow Lake

Whistler, British Columbia

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Distance

9.9 miles

Elevation Gain

2788.7 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Alex May

A short walk from Rainbow Park, Rainbow trail offers 850m of elevation with a 16km round trip walk through the wilderness up to the top at which you'll find Rainbow Lake. Walk through the base and find mossy wet forest and as you climb be greeted by fresh powder snow.

With a low elevation to start you'll be greeted with a mossy canopy of luscious wilderness. As you venture deeper through the trail you can notice the wilderness progress to a sub-alpine climate and here you'll be pleasantly surprised by snow tipped pines & surroundings. The Rainbow Trail is definitely not for the faint hearted, with steep inclines and rocky trails it's recommended you bring your determination and will-power.

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Features

Chillin

Photography

Snowshoeing

Hiking

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Forest

Lake

Picnic Area

River

Scenic

Waterfall

Hike to Rainbow Lake Reviews

Siena Patch-Taylor

Hike to Rainbow Lake

07/08/18

june/ 18- Went out on this hike but there is still metres of snow all the way down into the treeline, the bridge is also currently down so the only way to make it to the lake currently is to go off the trail and bush whack a little until you can find a suitable creek crossing place. Snow made route finding difficult and a lot of maintenance needs doing on the bridges but still a very fun hike!

5.0

Katrina Breukelman

Hike to Rainbow Lake

08/14/16

June 15/15 Great day hike if your looking for a peaceful quieter hike. Super easy to find and very accessible. Conditions were great and the trail was well marked. Took us about 2.5 hours up to rainbow lake going at a pretty steady pace. There is incline for sure, but I think 'difficult' is a big extreme of a rating. There are quite a few level areas to catch your breath. Once you arrive at the lake - keep in mind it's Whistlers drinking water so don't go swimming! Make the trek around the lake to the far side, the view is 10 times better! If your looking to swim, hike another 20-30 minutes past the far side of the lake into another valley and enjoy a chilly swim in Madely Lake. Not as beautiful but even more peaceful! Total hike with the extra lake took us 4.5-5 hours at a steady pace. Enjoy!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike to Rainbow Lake

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Hike to Rainbow Lake Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Snowshoe the Rainbow Lake Loop

Paddling the River of Golden Dreams

Bike the Whistler Alpine Trail Network

Camp at Whistler's Riverside Campground

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