Where the Rainbow Range is
For many guests at Nimpo Lake Resort, one of the most memorable day trips has nothing to do with boats or fishing. It is a hike into the Rainbow Range in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park – a landscape of open alpine, small lakes and mountains coloured red, orange, yellow and purple.
The Rainbow Range lies in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park (South), in the Cariboo–Chilcotin–Coast region of British Columbia. The mountains here are ancient volcanic formations often called painted mountains because of the spectrum of colours in the lava rock.
The main day-hike route starts from the Rainbow Range trailhead on Highway 20, roughly 35–40 kilometres west of Anahim Lake. From Nimpo Lake it makes a logical day trip: you drive west along the highway, pass Anahim Lake, and continue into Tweedsmuir Park until you reach the signed turn-off for the trailhead.
What the hike is like
From the trailhead, the classic Rainbow Range Trail climbs gradually through forest and then into open country. The official route is roughly 7 kilometres one way with a few hundred metres of elevation gain up to the main alpine area.
Hikers usually describe a few distinct sections: the first part of the trail passes through older burned forest, then the path opens into subalpine meadows with small creeks and wet, sometimes muddy sections. Once you reach the main alpine plateau, the terrain widens into big, open views with small lakes and broad ridges leading toward the coloured peaks.
Many hikers choose a simple out-and-back day, walking to the main alpine viewpoints and then exploring a bit in different directions before returning the same way. Others, including backpacking groups, use the same access trail as the start of multi-day trips deeper into the range.
Why it feels different
Several things make the Rainbow Range stand out, even in a province full of good hikes: you reach open country and views relatively fast compared to many other alpine trails; the volcanic rock really does carry unusual shades of red, orange, yellow and lavender, especially under good light; and the area is often much quieter than better-known parks.
From a base at Nimpo Lake, the contrast is striking: one day you are on the water watching loons and casting for trout, the next day you are walking across a high volcanic plateau, looking out over painted mountains.
Practical tips from Nimpo Lake
If you are planning to hike the Rainbow Range while staying at Nimpo Lake Resort, a few simple guidelines help:
Check current conditions before you go, including any closures, wildlife advisories or fire-related restrictions. Give yourself enough time in the day for both the drive and the hike so you are not rushed on the way out or back.
Bring proper footwear and layers; mud, creeks, loose rock and fast-changing weather are all normal here. Carry a map or GPS track, especially for the open alpine sections, where it is easy to wander off the main route if clouds come in.
If you like broad landscapes and quiet places, the Rainbow Range is one of the best single-day adventures you can add to a stay at Nimpo Lake. It’s a very direct way to see how close the high country is to the lakeshore.
Safety
- Check weather and trail conditions before you go.
- Carry bear spray and make noise on the trail.
- Bring layers, rain gear, and plenty of water.
- Tell someone your route and expected return time.
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