There are two short trails to explore.  The trail to the right leads to a view of the lower falls.  There are two trails to the left, both leading to a viewpoint of the upper falls.  One of the trails to the left climbs steeply and the other makes a more gentle approach.  This late in the season the falls were running low, so no mist on this day.

All trails were in great condition, and the trailhead restroom was quite clean.

#hikethestate

Toilet at TH: Vault toilet
Parking: Room for a few cars

Stopped here on our way back to town after a hike deeper in the valley. It's a beautiful waterfall with two vantage points that requires limited time and effort. The bottom viewpoint has a pool with the smaller/lower falls and a peekaboo view of the taller falls above. We saw someone fishing in the pool. Take switchbacks or the natural stairs up to the next viewpoint to get a better view from near the base of the taller falls (at this point, you'll be above the pool and lower falls, unable to see them). I bet they're even more impressive in the spring.

If you want to see a pretty waterfall with minimal effort, this is the trail for you. If you want a strenuous or long hike, go elsewhere. This is a great one to tag onto other hikes or outings in the valley!

Our weekend in Stehekin was busy, but we still made time to visit Rainbow Falls before dinner at Stehekin Valley Ranch. The cabin we rented was just over a mile from the falls, but with limited time, we drove to the trailhead. We had the place almost entirely to ourselves, encountering just one hiker on the way back. The trail began as a gravel path, passing a bench that would be a perfect lunch spot—especially with the Stehekin Pastry Company nearby. After a short walk, the trail split: right led to the base of the falls, and left climbed to a higher vantage point. We first went right, reaching a spot with a clear view of the lower cascade and a partial glimpse of the upper falls.

After enjoying the lower section, we took the loop trail up to the upper viewpoint, climbing a brief series of steps through the forest until the falls came into view. Even late in summer, with less water flowing, they remained impressive, framed by wildflowers nourished by the mist. On the way down, we chose the gentler path rather than the steps, making for an easy return. While the walk is short, it offers a touch of exercise, beautiful scenery, and two distinct views of Rainbow Falls—well worth the stop if you’re visiting Stehekin.

Just wrapped up our yearly trek on the Chelan Lakeshore Trail, starting from Prince Creek as usual. Lots of visible burn damage from the Pioneer Fire—trail was pretty dusty and had a good layer of soot in places.

As others have mentioned, Moore Point is closed, so we camped at Old Orchard Camp instead (same turnoff as Moore Point, right off the trail). FYI- the bear box and privy are at Moore Point. There technically is a privy at Old Orchard Camp but it has no privacy.

All the creeks are flowing strong right now—plenty of water along the way. Wildlife-wise, we saw one gopher snake and came across two ticks. Highly recommend wearing long pants and sleeves. We treated our clothes with permethrin ahead of time and didn’t get any ticks, but a couple people in our group still picked up two.

Stehekin was great, as always. For night two we stayed at Lake View Campground, which is tucked behind the Golden West Visitor Center. We biked out to the bakery (worth it!) and also hit Rainbow Falls and rode up the Stehekin Valley Road a bit. Rainbow Falls were blasting—super misty right now. Don’t miss the upper trail viewpoint, it’s worth the extra steps.

This was bike ride from Stehekin to High Bridge to check conditions of the road and see what Upper Stehekin valley has to offer!

Started our ride from Stehekin and turned around at High Bridge. The road goes from paved in beginning to deep gravel. I was able to make it on a hybrid bike, but my partner’s gravel bike worked much better. We left the bikes at High Bridge and continued on foot until Tumwater.

Along the way we checked out Rainbow Falls and Harlequin Camp. Both are spectacular. The falls were roaring with all the spring snowmelt!

All in all, I can’t say I recommend this as bike ride unless you have a gravel setup. I definitely want to come back and hike from High Bridge to Highway 20, but will probably take the shuttle next time.