Rainy Lake Falls

Rainy Lake Falls is located just south of Rainy Pass along Highway 20 in the Wenatchee National Forest. The trailhead is located at the Rainy Pass picnic area, at the summit of Rainy Pass, 36 miles east of Newhalem and 22 miles west of Mazama. Park anywhere you can, and find the trail sign near the entrance to the picnic area, and proceed a very easy mile to the lake overlook and the falls.Rainy Lake is one of the most popular destinations along the North Cascades Highway due to its easy access. But you don't only get an exceptionally scenic alpine lake, you get to see one of the better waterfalls in the North Cascades at the same time. Flowing out of a pair of small lakes and the remnant of the Lyall Glacier, the small stream feeding Rainy Lake cascades down a narrow gorge and hurtles over 800 feet to a steep talus slope before entering the placid waters of the lake. Though pictures do not convey the true size of the falls, even in the late summer when the water flow is greatly diminished, the crescendo of the falls is plainly audible across the lake - over half a mile away from the viewpoint. The ease of access allows all to enjoy this destination, so don't pass it up when in the area, especially early in the summer when the falls will be roaring.