Rainbow Falls is a waterfall in San Francisco County, California, about 3.2 miles west of San Francisco. This guide covers what to check, bring and expect before you go, using visitor ratings, official USGS records and live conditions for this exact location.
At a glance
- Location
- San Francisco County, CA
- Nearest town
- San Francisco (3.2 mi)
- Visitor rating
- 4.6 from 52 reviews
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Coordinates
- 37.77132, -122.47831
- USGS topo
- San Francisco North quad
Weather at Rainbow Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Rainbow Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
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- Sunset
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- Daylight
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- Golden hour
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Getting there
Rainbow Falls sits about 3.2 miles west of San Francisco in San Francisco County. Google lists the address as San Francisco, CA 94118.
Open directions in Google Maps or Apple Maps, or view the map on the Rainbow Falls listing. Navigation apps sometimes route onto seasonal forest roads, so check road status if you are heading into the mountains.
California's falls are spread across national parks, national forests, state parks and county or regional open space, with a few on tribal land. In Yosemite and other heavily visited parks, the National Park Service has used vehicle reservation systems during busy periods in recent years, so checking current entry requirements before travel is wise. Many trailheads in Southern California fill early on weekends. The most serious hazards are swift, cold snowmelt and slick granite: people regularly die after slipping into rivers above waterfalls in the Sierra, especially in late spring. In the southern mountains and deserts, sudden storms can produce flash floods in narrow canyons, and summer heat makes midday hiking risky. Wildfire closures can also affect forest access in late summer and autumn.
What to bring
This checklist is tailored to Rainbow Falls based on what visitors report and the conditions typical of California. For the complete list, see our waterfall hike packing guide.
- Offline map and coordinates. Save 37.77132, -122.47831 and download offline maps; cell service is often weak near waterfalls.
- Shoes with real grip. Rock near falling water stays wet and slick even in dry weather.
- Water and a snack. More than you think you need, even for a short walk.
- A light rain layer. Spray from the falls and quick-moving showers can soak you.
- Headlamp. In case your visit runs later than planned; check sunset time in the conditions panel above.
How to prepare
Timing
Timing depends on elevation. Low-elevation coastal and Southern California falls peak during and just after winter storms, typically January through April, and often fade by June. Sierra Nevada falls follow the snowpack: in Yosemite, flows usually build in April, peak in May and June, and decline through July, with some falls dry by late summer in an average year. Big snow years extend the season; drought years shorten it sharply. Spring-fed falls in Shasta and Siskiyou counties are the exception and are worthwhile in any season. High Sierra roads such as the Tioga Road and those to the eastern trailheads usually remain closed into late spring, and summer weekends bring heavy crowds to Yosemite Valley and other well-known sites. 52 Google reviews suggest steady but manageable traffic outside peak weekends.
Safety
Stay behind railings and off wet rock, never climb on the falls, and keep children within arm's reach near the water. Check the weather panel above for flood or storm alerts before you set out; water levels can rise fast after upstream rain. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
Respect the place
Pack out everything you bring, stay on established paths to limit erosion, and leave rocks and plants where they are. See Leave No Trace at waterfalls.
What visitors say
Rainbow Falls holds a 4.6-star average across 52 Google reviews, and 81% of reviewers give it five stars. That makes it the most reviewed waterfall in San Francisco County. Visitors have shared 173 photos.
See the rating breakdown or read reviews on Google.
History of the area
Rainbow Falls was entered in the Geographic Names Information System on November 1, 1994, and it appears on the USGS San Francisco North 7.5-minute topographic map.
Its neighbors on the map tell the story of the surrounding land: Lloyd Lake (lake, 0.2 mi), Strawberry Hill (summit, 0.3 mi), Elk Glen Lake (lake, 0.3 mi), and Stow Lake (lake, 0.3 mi).
Nearby waterfalls to add to your trip
More around here: waterfalls near San Francisco · San Francisco County waterfalls · all California waterfalls
Frequently asked questions
Where is Rainbow Falls?
Rainbow Falls is in San Francisco County, California, about 3.2 miles west of San Francisco. Its coordinates are 37.77132, -122.47831.
Is Rainbow Falls crowded?
52 Google reviews suggest steady but manageable traffic outside peak weekends.
What should I bring to Rainbow Falls?
At minimum: offline map and coordinates, shoes with real grip, water and a snack, and a light rain layer. See the full checklist above, which is tailored to what visitors report about this waterfall.
When is the best time to visit Rainbow Falls?
Timing depends on elevation. Low-elevation coastal and Southern California falls peak during and just after winter storms, typically January through April, and often fade by June.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to visit Rainbow Falls?
Fees and permits depend on who manages the land. Check with the managing agency before you go. Our California waterfalls page covers access in the state.
Summary
Rainbow Falls about 3.2 miles west of San Francisco is rated 4.6 out of 5 by 52 visitors. Check the live forecast and stream gauge above, save the coordinates for offline use, and pack for wet, uneven ground. Ratings, hours and access can change, so confirm conditions with the land manager before you drive out.
See the full Rainbow Falls listing for the map, photos and nearby landmarks.