Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a name that is all too often tossed around for waterfalls of all shapes and sizes. In this case, the generic name fits this rather generic looking, though decently impressive waterfall pretty well. The falls occur along an unnamed, likely seasonal tributary of Johnson Creek, about halfway between Packwood and Mount Rainier National Park. Low stream flow limits the impressiveness of this 160-foot waterfall, but when the stream is running, it's worth the short, moderate scramble to the base of the falls. If there is any sort of wind, the falls get blown around like tissue paper, often totally dispersing in the air - and should the sun be out, the namesake rainbow will most likely make an appearance. I wouldn't really recommend this waterfall be visited by casual waterfall hunters, but the bushwhack to the bottom of the falls isn't nearly as difficult as it appears from the road.