Rainbow Campground

**Introduction / Overview**

For Oregonians seeking a peaceful, restorative escape into the heart of the Cascade Range, the **Rainbow Campground** in the **Mt. Hood National Forest** is a truly special destination. Tucked along the picturesque **Oak Grove Fork of the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River**, this small, charming campground embodies the resilience of Oregon’s forests, having recently been restored and reopened following the devastating 2020 Riverside Fire. Its name suggests a hidden reward, and indeed, it delivers a quiet, riverside experience that feels worlds away from the urban bustle of the Willamette Valley.

Rainbow Campground is characterized by its **rustic, tent-only (or small RV/trailer)** focus, offering an authentic, low-impact camping environment at an elevation of about 1,400 feet. With only about 16 to 17 sites, the atmosphere is intimate and tranquil. While the surrounding landscape still shows the scars of the wildfire, the new facilities and the intense regrowth of the forest floor—including immense Douglas firs and maples—offer a powerful visual testament to nature’s renewal. Campers here are treated to the sounds of the Clackamas River and enjoy direct access to excellent hiking, biking, and river recreation.

Its management by the U.S. Forest Service emphasizes preservation and recreational access. The site provides a clean, basic foundation for adventure, appealing to local hikers, anglers, mountain bikers, and those who appreciate the quiet solitude of Oregon's forests. As one visitor noted, they enjoyed the "Wood," highlighting the simple pleasure of being surrounded by the forest and having a campfire.

**Location and Accessibility**

The **Rainbow Campground** is situated deep within the **Clackamas River Ranger District** of the **Mt. Hood National Forest** in Oregon, with its general location near **Estacada**. The address provided—**Oregon, USA**—underscores its wilderness setting, but its drivable nature makes it highly accessible for locals.

Accessibility details for Oregon residents are crucial:

• **Primary Route:** Travel east on **Oregon Highway 224/National Forest Road 46** for approximately 26 miles from Estacada, Oregon. The campground is located just off this main corridor.
• **Road Conditions:** Access is generally on paved roads, though conditions can change, especially after fire events. Visitors should always check the Mt. Hood National Forest website for the latest road status updates, as the area can be subject to temporary closures.
• **Vehicle Restrictions:** Note that due to its small size and design, vehicles must not surpass a maximum length, typically around **24 feet**, making it best suited for tents and smaller recreational vehicles or trailers.
• **Proximity:** Its location places it in the **northern Oregon Cascades**, providing a manageable day-trip or weekend destination from the Portland and Salem metro areas.

Being nestled along the river and surrounded by dense trees (or new growth), the campground feels remote, yet is conveniently close to the **Ripplebrook Ranger Station** and its associated facilities, providing a sense of safety and information access in the deep woods.

**Services Offered**

Consistent with its National Forest designation and recent restoration, the **Rainbow Campground** offers clean, basic services tailored for a rustic camping experience. The campground offers 16-17 single-family sites for tent camping, with some sites specifically designed for improved accessibility:

• **Campsites:** Each site is equipped with a sturdy **picnic table** (some are accessible-friendly).
• **Fire Rings:** Each site includes a **campfire ring with a grill grate**, ideal for cooking over an open fire (always check for current fire bans).
• **Vault Toilets:** Accessible **vault toilets** (outhouses) are centrally located and provided for sanitation.
• **Drinking Water:** **Potable water** is available, generally via a hand pump or faucet (availability may be seasonal or affected by fire recovery; always check current status).
• **Parking:** Designated parking spurs are provided, though the maximum vehicle length is restricted.
• **Bear Safety:** The campground is located in bear country; visitors must practice **proper food storage and disposal** (campers are required to provide their own bear-proof containers or use a vehicle for storage if applicable).

It is important to emphasize that **no electric, water, or sewer hookups** are available, and **showers are not provided**. Campers should be prepared for a genuine forest experience.

**Features / Highlights**

The **Rainbow Campground** stands out to Oregon locals for its specific recreational and natural highlights, making it a sought-after destination in the Mt. Hood National Forest:

• **Wild and Scenic River Access:** Campers enjoy direct, ample access to the **Clackamas River (Oak Grove Fork)**, a federally designated "Wild and Scenic" river, perfect for photography, quiet contemplation, and listening to the river sounds.
• **Riverside Recreation Trail:** The campground provides a direct trailhead and parking access for the **Riverside National Recreation Trail** (approximately 5 miles), which is immensely popular for both **hiking and mountain biking** along the water.
• **Exceptional Fishing:** The Clackamas River is renowned for its fishing, with opportunities for anglers to catch **winter steelhead, spring Chinook salmon, and late summer Kokanee salmon**, making this a prime fishing basecamp.
• **Proximity to Bagby Hot Springs:** The famous **Bagby Hot Springs**, a rustic soaking area with historic bathhouses fed by natural hot springs, is located about 14 miles away, making for an excellent day trip from the campground.
• **Resilience and Regrowth Scenery:** The campground offers a unique educational and emotional experience, showcasing the **post-fire recovery** of the forest, with vibrant new growth emerging among the old trees—a symbol of the Cascade ecosystem's strength.
• **Old-Growth Forest Setting:** Despite the fire, the area retains the beauty of the Mt. Hood region, with huge maple and Douglas fir trees, providing essential shade and a majestic atmosphere.
• **Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking:** The Clackamas River’s currents and rapids attract local **whitewater rafters and kayakers**, and the campground serves as a convenient launch/take-out or basecamp for these multi-day water adventures.

**Contact Information**

The **Rainbow Campground** is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, under the oversight of the Clackamas River Ranger District. All administrative and safety communications should be directed to the District Office.

• **Address (General Area):** Oregon, USA. (The physical site is located off Highway 224, near Estacada.)
• **Administrative Phone (Clackamas River Ranger District):** (971) 333-4100.
• **Administrative Address:** 16400 Champion Way, Sandy, OR 97055.

For Oregonians planning a trip, it is highly recommended to check the **Mt. Hood National Forest website** or call the Ranger District for the latest information on the campground’s operational status, especially regarding the ongoing post-fire recovery efforts, road closures, and current fire restrictions.

**What is Worth Choosing**

For Oregon residents, choosing the **Rainbow Campground** is choosing a front-row seat to both the natural beauty and the inspiring resilience of the Cascade wilderness. It is worth choosing because it provides a **truly quiet, accessible river experience** that is increasingly rare in the popular Mt. Hood corridor.

The primary value lies in its **unbeatable access to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River and the Riverside Trail**. For the local angler, hiker, or mountain biker, the ability to step directly from a campsite onto a premier trail or into a prime fishing spot is a massive advantage. This connectivity makes it an exceptional basecamp for a full weekend of outdoor activity.

Furthermore, the campground is a meaningful choice for those who value **conservation and nature's recovery**. By visiting the newly restored site, campers are supporting the efforts to bring recreation back to this fire-affected area. The basic, rustic nature of the amenities reinforces the focus on the **environmental experience** itself, stripping away distractions and leaving only the river, the forest, and the company of friends or family.

In short, Rainbow Campground is the ideal Oregon destination for a secluded, water-centric escape where you can witness the rebirth of the forest while enjoying world-class fishing and trails—an experience that truly captures the quiet, rugged heart of the state.