Hidden Treasure

Rainbow Falls is a waterfall on Rainbow Creek in North Cascades National Park in Washington State.  The waterfall is located inside the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and is near Stehekin. The falls drops 392 feet  in two tiers. The uppermost tier falls 312 feet  to a basin.

Many people who visit North Cascades National Park explore and stay in the northern part of the park. Traveling through this area of the park you understand why the park is nicknamed the Alps of North America. But what most visitors fail to realize is that there is an entire separate and more isolated area of the park. To get there you must take a ferry and arrive in the small village of Stehikin. There is a lodge when you dock, or you can opt to camp. There is one main road that leaves from Stehikin and goes into the park. To access the road, you must take the shuttle bus which will make many stops. On my visit I took the bus to its very last stop and decided to hike back. On my way I stopped and took the trail to Rainbow Falls. This tall, majestic waterfall was stunning. I set up my tripod and placed a circular polarizer on the front of my lens to help capture the lush greenery and the emerald color water. I slowed my shutter speed down to capture the movement of the water.  Taking my time, I was able to capture this beautiful waterfall. After the photo I sat and just listened to water and surrounding trees. It was such a serene moment.

Location: North Cascades National Park, Washington