Difficulty: EASY

Rating: 4/5

Duration: <1hr / .75km

Accessibility: Car

rainbow falls

Description:

Rainbow Falls is an absolutely beautiful area, that is definitely worth the short detour if you are heading in or out of the Monashees. The drive out may be long but the forestry roads are extremely well maintained, making it possible for a car, but more enjoyable in an SUV. Once you reach the parking area you aren't very far from the falls themselves. A short walk down the trail will take you to a viewing platform jutting out over the creek bed.

This is a great area to explore as the fallen logs covering the shores of the river make for some amazing photo opportunities. Make sure to tag your photos with @officialbearlives. We would love to feature your photos!

Directions:

This hike is approximately 2 hours 35 minutes drive from downtown Kelowna, or 1 hour from Cherryville.

  1. Driving from Kelowna head towards Cherryville.
  2. Turn left onto Sugar Lake rd at the Tempo Gas Station. 
  3. Follow Sugar Lake rd for 37.6km. The road will shortly become gravel but it is very well maintained.
  4. At this point you should see signs for "Monashee Provincial Park". Turn right here.
  5. Drive for 1.3km until you pass a bridge. Immediately turn right after the bridge.
  6. 2.8km after the bridge you will see a turnoff on your left, take it.
  7. Follow this road for 0.6km keeping right. You will come to a parking area with trail markings ahead.

Click to view this route on GoogleMaps!

*Note the GoogleMaps link will only take to you the last turnoff, follow this road up to get to Rainbow Falls.

GPS Coordinates:

  • Tempo Gas Station: 50.245740, -118.662409
  • Turnoff towards the Monashees: 50.516985, -118.456346
  • Bridge Crossing: 50.512907, -118.445243
  • Rainbow Falls turnoff: 50.491719, -118.448656

features:

  • Waterfall
  • Creek
  • Dog Friendly
  • No cell service