Directions
From Portland, travel east on US Hwy 26 to Sandy. Turn right (southwest) on OR Hwy 211 and travel 6.1 miles to OR Hwy 224. Turn left (southeast) on OR Hwy 224 and travel 30.6 miles to Clackamas River Hwy (Forest Road 46) (at milepost 50). Travel 0.3 mile to Rainbow Campground Trailhead sign. Turn right into the trailhead parking lot. The trail starts 0.1 mile from the road.
Notes
This trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail under the National Trail Systems Act for its scenery and close proximity to urban areas. The trail weaves along the Clackamas River through old growth forest, offering many great views of the river.
The trail starts at Rainbow Campground (1,400') and ends at Riverside Campground (1,480'). From Rainbow Campground the trail climbs gradually through old growth trees along the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River to the confluence with the Clackamas River. After 0.5 mile the trail offers the first view of the Clackamas River. The trail continues along the Clackamas River and reaches a nice beach 1.6 miles later. Continue 0.1 mile to the junction with a spur trail that starts at Forest Road 4600-039. This is a good alternate trailhead for those wanting a shorter hike. The trail continues to follow the Clackamas River and after 1.1 miles the trail reaches a stand of very large old growth trees. The trail continues another 0.4 mile to the end of the trail at Riverside Campground. The trail is generally level; however the occasional change in grade classifies this as a more difficult trail.