Rainbow Lake Trail                                                               Whistler Area Hiking

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The Rainbow Lake trail is a convenient and popular trail near Whistler Village.  It is a consistently uphill and very beautiful trail with several water (bridge) crossings and waterfalls on the way to the picture-perfect lake.  There are a few views of the valley across to Whistler, Blackcomb, and Wedge Mountains.  Few views, though fantastic.  Rainbow lake itself is beautiful and has branching trails that extend further beyond the lake.

Unfortunately it is the water supply for Whistler, so you cannot swim, fish or camp near the lake.  There is decent camping available nearby at Hanging Lake as well as Beverly Lake in the direction of Rainbow Mountain.  Hanging lake is a bit dark and swampy as compared to the spectacular camping at Beverly Lake which is a tough but rewarding hike beyond Rainbow Lake.

Beverly Lake is reached by following the trail toward Rainbow Mountain.  About 40 minutes into this trail the trail markers will stop as it ascends up into an extensive boulder field towards Rainbow Mountain.  To reach Beverly, bear left of the route to Rainbow Mountain and follow the valley.  Beverly Lake is about an hours hike from Rainbow Lake.

Directions to the Rainbow Lake Hiking Trails in Whistler

The trailhead is a short 15 minute drive from Whistler Village.  There is parking at Rainbow Park as well as a few spots at the Rainbow Lake Trailhead.

Directions to trailhead: Zero your odometer at Village Gate Boulevard(in Whistler Village), drive north on Highway 99.  At 3.8km turn left onto Alpine Way, then at the next stop sign turn left onto Rainbow Drive.  Continue straight until at 6.8km you will see the trailhead on your right.

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Whistler Hiking - List of the Best Trails >>