Near Rainbow Peak
Rainbow Peak scramble with expansive views.
Near Rainbow Peak
Cook Inlet.
Near Rainbow Peak
View from the summit.
Near Rainbow Peak
Following the contours on the Turnagain Arm Trail.

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Hike Route

Rainbow Peak

4.7 (9 Ratings)
This is one of the steeper ascents along Turnagain Arm.
4.9
mi
Distance
3,633
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
River/CreekViews
Access Issues
Parking at the !Rainbow Peak Trailhead parking lot is free at this time.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.91mi
Distance
3,633ft
Elevation Gain
3,633ft
Elevation Loss
70%
Max Grade
3,554ft
High Point
87ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
This hike begins at one of the access points to the Turnagain Arm Trail at the !Rainbow Peak Trailhead parking lot. Follow the trail up into the woods west and through a few switchbacks. After about 1.25 miles, there will be a turnoff on the right heading up a steep singletrack through the trees, which follows the south rib of Rainbow Peak. Continue up into the tundra, and at about 2,700', you'll see a human-worn game trail heading east that traverses the southeast face of the mountain. Eventually, the traverse takes you into a large scree field. Continue traversing until you are below a small saddle in the ridge above you and you should see evidence of a human trail leading up to the ridge. Once you are on the ridge, head south back toward the shoreline to obtain the summit. There are several routes leading up to the peak, but the method described here is the easiest way up.This hike has a difficult rating due to long sections of very steep grade.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Abe H