Rainbow Lakes are a hidden gem between Kenai Lake and Cooper Lake. This chain of lakes is not very large, but Rainbow Lakes offers wonderful views—especially at sunset— and short hikes accessible to all. The trails are maintained and many of the lakes have a bench you can sit at to enjoy the view. Additionally, there is camping and fishing at all of these lakes, so bring a tent and stay for the weekend.
Hiking Rainbow Lakes near Cooper’s Landing, Alaska is an easy one mile loop around around a chain of lakes that is known for camping, family friendly activities, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. If you have the time, make sure to stay for sunset, as the light show on the mountains surrounding Rainbow Lakes light up in a variety of colors.
Read on to discover where the hike starts, what to bring, all the hiking facts, and so much more about hiking to Alaska’s Rainbow Lakes.
RAINBOW LAKES HIKE OVERVIEW:
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Time needed: 10-20 minutes
Elevation change: 30 feet
Type of terrain: Maintained trail
Difficulty of hike: Easy
WHERE ARE RAINBOW LAKES?
Rainbow Lakes are located halfway between Kenai Lake and Cooper Lake. The nearest town is Cooper’s Landing, AK on the Kenai Peninsula. To reach Rainbow Lakes you will need to drive down a dirt road for a long while, between 30-40 minutes. The pullout for this chain of lakes comes upon you quickly, so keep your eyes peeled for the forest service sign.
Click here for direction to Rainbow Lakes Trailhead
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HIKE RAINBOW LAKES?
Rainbow Lakes offers several short hikes that are all less than a mile and take roughly 10 to 20 minutes. However, many hikers visiting Rainbow Lakes come for the views and easy access to the lakes for swimming and fishing.
IS RAINBOW LAKES hike kid friendly?
Rainbow Lakes hike is the perfect kid friendly hike. From the parking lot to the lakes is less than a half mile on flat ground, so the kids will be able to make the hike without worries. Once you get to the lakes, there is a lot of room for the kids to run around, yet you will be able to keep an eye on the kids from the lakeshore. Additionally, there is fishing and swimming at Rainbow Lakes, so the kids will always be entertained.
What to bring while hiking RAINBOW LAKES?
You do not need to bring much when hiking rainbow lakes, however I would suggest that you bring a few day hiking essentials in Alaska like:
Bear Spray
Bug Spray
Water
A small backpack
Snacks
Hiking shoes with good tread
Other Adventures Near RAINBOW LAKES Hike:
Camping at Cooper’s Lake
Rafting, or kayaking, down the Kenai River
Flight Seeing over the Kenai Peninsula
Hiking Exit Glacier
Camping at Kenai Lake
Beginning the hike into Rainbow Lakes near Cooper’s Landing, Alaska. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have discover where the hike starts, what to bring, all the hiking facts, and so much more about hiking to Alaska’s Rainbow Lakes it is your turn to embark on the journey to this beautiful spot! Please, let me know in the comments below if this blog was helpful for you and/or if there is anything else you feel would be helpful for other readers.
