Overview
The Rainbow Lake Wilderness Loop passes through 6,580 acres of federally protected Wisconsin northwoods, visiting several glacial lakes that are accessible only on foot. This is what Wisconsin wilderness looks like: not dramatic peaks or sheer cliffs, but dense balsam fir and paper birch, shallow kettle lakes ringed with cattails and wild rice, and a quiet that settles in quickly once you're away from the trailhead.
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest contains three wilderness areas, and Rainbow Lake is one of the most accessible. The 8-mile loop is manageable as a long day hike or a casual overnight, and the gentle terrain only 200 feet of elevation gain over the full loop makes it accessible for hikers of varied experience levels. The wilderness designation means no chainsaws, no motorized vehicles, and limited trail maintenance, so expect a more natural surface underfoot and occasional blowdowns that require scrambling around.
Common loons nest on the lakes within the wilderness and are a highlight for many visitors. Early morning and evening hours offer the best chance of hearing their distinctive calls echoing across the water. Great blue herons work the shallow lake margins, and in May and August, migrating warblers move through in impressive numbers.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2.5: From the County Road W trailhead, the loop heads northwest into the wilderness boundary. The forest transitions quickly from a more managed character near the road to the denser, less-traveled feel of the wilderness interior. The trail surface is rooty and natural no grooming or crushed stone here. You'll pass through a section of older-growth white pine, remnants of the forest that preceded the logging era of the late 1800s.
Miles 2.5 to 5: The trail reaches the eastern shore of Rainbow Lake itself, a shallow 200-acre glacial lake with a classic northwoods setting. A short spur leads to a viewpoint at the water's edge. The trail continues around the north side of the lake through a wetter section with some boardwalk segments, then passes a smaller unnamed lake to the northwest before turning south.
Miles 5 to 8: The southern leg of the loop returns through mixed hardwood forest. The maple and basswood canopy is particularly good for fall color in late September. The trail rejoins the approach path about a half mile from the trailhead.
When to Visit
The window from late June through September offers the most reliable conditions. Spring visits are possible in May but trails may be wet and blackflies can be intense near the lakes. Fall color in the wilderness is excellent the combination of maple, birch, and bog vegetation creates rich color variation by the last week of September.
Winter visits on snowshoes are possible but require route-finding ability since trails are not marked for winter use and blazes may be obscured.
Always check current conditions before visiting, particularly after significant windstorms, which can drop trees across wilderness trails.
What to Bring
- Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water for this loop, though lake water is available if filtered or treated. Individual needs vary.
- Insect repellent is worth packing from late May through early August
- Waterproof footwear recommended lake margins and low areas can be muddy
- A printed or downloaded map: this is a wilderness area with minimal signage
- Blaze orange during hunting season (September through November)
Practical Details
Wilderness regulations apply: no mechanized equipment, no motorized vehicles. Campfires are permitted but a camp stove is a lower-impact option. Pack out all trash. No restrooms at the trailhead. Practice Leave No Trace principles throughout.
No permit is required for day hiking or dispersed camping. For general camping rules in national forests, see the national forest camping permit guide.
Bears are present in this wilderness. Store food properly when camping hang food 10 feet high and 4 feet from any tree trunk, or use a bear canister. See the bear canister requirements guide for general best practices.
Getting There
From Drummond, Wisconsin, take County Road W west approximately 4 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right (north) side of the road. GPS coordinates are approximately 45.85°N, 91.00°W. The lot accommodates 10-12 vehicles. No parking fee (as of 2026).
From Ashland (approximately 25 miles west), take US-2 east to County Road D, then south to Drummond and west on County Road W.