This small day-use area and trailhead is at the end of the loop road in Rainbow Campground, about 26 miles east of Estacada by way of Highway 224 and Road 46. Look for it near the toilet. Parking is tight, with room for only three to five vehicles.
The main draw is Riverside Trail #723, which follows the Clackamas River and links up with Riverside Campground. The trail took heavy damage in the 2020 Riverside Fire, and Forest Service recreation staff, working with the National Forest Foundation, brought it back in 2024. There is a picnic table, but no drinking water, so pack what you need for the day.
Getting there
From Estacada, OR
- Travel east on Highway 224/Road 46 for 26 miles to Rainbow Campground.
- The day use/trailhead is located at the end of the campground loop near a toilet.
Parking
The parking area is small and fits 3 to 5 vehicles.
From the Forest Service
Good to know
After it was heavily damaged in the 2020 Riverside Fire, the Riverside Trail reopened in 2024 thanks to hard work from recreation staff and a strong partnership with the National Forest Foundation.
Rainbow Day Use & Trailhead is operated by a concessionaire, Alaska Recreational Management (ARM), under a special use permit issued by Mt. Hood National Forest.
All fees
$10 per vehicle per day
Passes and permits
Day use: The only recreation pass accepted in lieu of day-use fee payment is the $30 Annual Northwest Forest Pass.
Ranger office
Clackamas River Ranger District
Address: 16400 Champion Way Sandy, OR 97055
Phone: 971-333-4100
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)