Rainbow Lake Trail
Rainbow Lake Trail - The first part of Caton Lake Trail is the upper portion of Ditch Creek Trail.
Ditch Creek Trail provides access to Rainbow Lake Trail and Caton Lake Trail.
Approximately 0.7 miles from the trailhead, the unsigned 0.3 mile Rainbow Lake Trail splits off to the left. In another 1.8 miles, the trail junctions with the Caton Lake Trail.
From the Ditch Creek/Caton Lake Trail junction to Caton Lake is 5 miles, and another 0.8 miles to the boundary of the Boise and Payette National Forests.
The trail weaves in and out of trees, large open wet areas, and meadows. After climbing slightly, the trail drops gently for several miles. The trail then passes through Caton Meadows, climbs to a low saddle, and drops sharply to Caton Lake.
This trail begins approximately 0.7 miles up the Ditch Creek Trail. It is not signed, but the trail is obvious and takes off to the left.
Just before the lake, the trail passes through a medium sized campsite, and then out of the trees onto a small marsh at the south end of the lake. Rainbow Lake is lovely and clear, though steep sides and encroaching forest limit the shore.
At a Glance
Usage: | Heavy |
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Closest Towns: | Cascade, Idaho |
General Information
Directions:From Cascade, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 for approximately 0.5 miles to its junction with the Forest Highway 22 also known as Warm Lake Highway.
Turn right onto the Warm Lake Highway and travel east approximately 25 miles to the Warm Lake area, where the Highway turns into Forest Service (FS) Road 579.
Continue east on FS Road 579 for 11 miles to Landmark and FS Road 413.
Turn left onto FS Road 413 and travel north approximately 10.5 miles to its junction with FS Road 410. Turn left onto FS road 410 and travel to its end for about 9.4 miles.
The Ditch Creek Trail starts just before the end of FS Road 410.
Ditch Creek Trail provides access to Rainbow Lake Trail and Caton Lake Trail.
General Notes:
The Rainbow Lake / Caton Lake Trailhead is a five-acre signed site with a hitching rack and restroom. It serves Caton Lake (#093) and Rainbow Lake (#094) trails.
Activities
Day Hiking
Hiking opportunities - after climbing slightly, the trail drops gently for several miles.
Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
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Horse Riding
Horse riding and camping in the area.
Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
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