About Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a named waterfall in San Francisco County, California, located about 3.2 miles west of San Francisco. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the San Francisco North 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°46′17″ N, 122°28′42″ W (37.77132, -122.47831). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Lloyd Lake (lake, 0.2 mi), Strawberry Hill (summit, 0.3 mi), and Elk Glen Lake (lake, 0.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Huntington Falls, 0.3 miles to the southeast.
More Photos
173 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Rainbow Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Rainbow Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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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.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Rainbow Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Rainbow Falls holds a 4.6 average from 52 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Rainbow Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Lloyd Lake — lake, 0.2 mi
- Strawberry Hill — summit, 0.3 mi
- Elk Glen Lake — lake, 0.3 mi
- Stow Lake — lake, 0.3 mi
- Mallard Lake — lake, 0.6 mi
- Metson Lake — reservoir, 0.7 mi
- Spreckels Lake — lake, 0.9 mi
- Lily Pond — reservoir, 0.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.77132, -122.47831. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Rainbow Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rainbow Falls located?
Rainbow Falls is in San Francisco County, California, about 3.2 miles west of San Francisco. Its coordinates are 37.77132, -122.47831 (37°46′17″ N, 122°28′42″ W).
What town is closest to Rainbow Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is San Francisco, CA, about 3.2 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Rainbow Falls?
The closest is Huntington Falls (0.3 mi southeast). Others within reach include Kent Falls (9.5 mi), Dawn Falls (12 mi), and Cataract Falls (13 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Rainbow Falls?
Rainbow Falls appears on the USGS San Francisco North 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.