Rainbow Campground

For Oregonians seeking a serene and accessible escape into nature, Rainbow Campground in Estacada, OR, presents a compelling opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Located along the picturesque Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River, this campground offers a rustic charm, especially as it continues its recovery journey from the impacts of the 2020 Riverside Fire. While signs of the fire are visible, Rainbow Campground has been diligently restored and is once again welcoming campers, providing a unique perspective on nature's resilience and rebirth.

Rainbow Campground has long been a beloved spot for local campers, known for its tranquil riverside setting and direct access to a wealth of outdoor activities. Post-fire, the landscape has transformed, with some areas now more open and sun-exposed due to tree removal. However, this shift also highlights the remarkable ability of the forest to regenerate, offering a poignant backdrop for your outdoor adventures. The campground maintains its essential amenities, ensuring a functional and enjoyable stay for those prepared for a more naturalistic setting. Visitors have noted feeling "completely safe" with their families and pets, even amidst the ongoing recovery.

This campground is particularly suitable for those who appreciate the wildness of a recovering forest and value responsible recreation. It provides a comfortable base from which to explore the broader Clackamas River watershed and the adjacent Mt. Hood National Forest, embodying the spirit of resilience that defines Oregon's landscapes.

Rainbow Campground is situated in Estacada, Oregon, a gateway community to the Clackamas River corridor and the western slopes of the Mount Hood National Forest. Its address can be broadly given as:

Estacada, OR 97023, USA

More precisely, it's located along the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River, making it a key access point for adventures in the area. The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 1,400 feet, surrounded by a mix of recovering forest and areas where trees have been removed due to fire damage.

Accessibility to Rainbow Campground is generally straightforward. It can be reached from Estacada via Oregon Highway 224, which follows the Clackamas River. However, due to the lingering effects of the Riverside Fire, it's crucial to check current road conditions and any potential closures with the Mt. Hood National Forest's Clackamas River Ranger District before planning your trip. While the campground itself has reopened, some surrounding trails and areas might still be recovering or remain closed due to hazards like falling trees or unstable ground. The drive from Portland is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, making it an ideal destination for a convenient weekend getaway for many Oregon residents. Other major cities like Salem are also within a reasonable driving distance, typically around 1.5 to 2 hours. Parking surfaces within the campground are described as paved and gravel, facilitating easy access to campsites.

• Campsites: Rainbow Campground offers 17 single-family campsites primarily designed for tent camping, with some suitable for small RVs or trailers. Each site is typically equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill. While the campground was repaired post-fire, many of its trees will take years to grow back, meaning some spots may have reduced shade.
• Restrooms: Accessible vault toilets are provided within the campground. While these facilities are operational, visitors should be prepared for basic amenities and are encouraged to bring their own toilet paper, as restocking frequency can vary.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is provided at the campground. This is a crucial amenity for primitive or recovering sites, ensuring campers have access to clean water.
• No Garbage Collection: As is common in many forest service campgrounds, especially those recovering from natural disasters, there is no garbage collection service. Campers are required to practice "pack it in, pack it out" principles, meaning all trash must be removed from the site.
• First-Come, First-Served / Reservations: Some sources indicate that sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others suggest that 17 reservable campsites are available. It's highly recommended to check current reservation policies via Recreation.gov or by contacting the Mt. Hood National Forest directly, as availability can be limited.
• Camp Host: A campground host may be available on-site to assist visitors and provide information.

• Clackamas River Access: Rainbow Campground provides ample access to the Wild & Scenic Clackamas River and its Oak Grove Fork. This allows for various water-based activities, though swimming in the immediate creek might be shallow and shaded. The soothing sound of running water is a highlight.
• Post-Fire Landscape Experience: A unique feature of Rainbow Campground is the opportunity to witness a forest in recovery from the Riverside Fire. While areas show fire damage, new growth and the resilience of nature are evident, offering a powerful and educational experience. Campers can observe the "moonscape" of treeless areas and appreciate the ongoing ecological processes.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: The campground offers access to trails, including the 5-mile Riverside National Recreation Trail, popular for hiking and mountain biking. Other trails in the surrounding Mt. Hood National Forest provide numerous additional opportunities for exploration, though users should be mindful of post-fire hazards.
• Fishing: The Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River is popular for fishing. Anglers can expect to catch species like winter steelhead, spring Chinook, and Kokanee salmon, among other freshwater fish.
• Whitewater Rafting: The Clackamas River is renowned for its whitewater rafting opportunities, bending through the scenic Cascade Range. While the campground offers access, guided tours or specific launch points for rafting may be found nearby.
• Proximity to Bagby Hot Springs: Bagby Hot Springs, a popular site for soaking and relaxation in a heavily wooded area, is located about 14 miles southwest of the campground, offering a unique side trip for campers.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystem, even in recovery, provides opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing, including federally protected species like the bald eagle and northern spotted owl.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite the fire damage, the campground is often described as a place to enjoy peace and quiet in the beautiful mountains of northern Oregon, offering a true "big city get-away."

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Rainbow Campground, particularly concerning post-fire conditions, road accessibility, and reservation policies, it is highly recommended to contact the managing authority, the U.S. Forest Service.

Address: Estacada, OR 97023, USA (within the Mt. Hood National Forest)

Phone: (541) 965-2310 (This phone number is associated with the general area, but for specific campground inquiries, contacting the Clackamas River Ranger District is usually best.)

More specific contact for the managing district:

Clackamas River Ranger District

Address: 16400 Champion Way Sandy, OR 97055

Phone: (971) 333-4100

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. Closed on federal holidays).

Checking the Mt. Hood National Forest official website (fs.usda.gov/mthood) and Recreation.gov for current alerts and reservation details is strongly advised before your visit.

For Oregonians, Rainbow Campground in Estacada offers a uniquely significant and suitable camping experience, particularly for those interested in witnessing nature's powerful cycle of destruction and rebirth. Its convenient location, a relatively short drive from major population centers like Portland, makes it an accessible choice for a weekend escape into the heart of the Mt. Hood National Forest. This ease of access allows locals to quickly immerse themselves in the outdoors without extensive travel planning.

Despite the visible impact of the Riverside Fire, the campground’s reopening signifies a triumph of restoration efforts, offering clean facilities, drinking water, and functional vault toilets that ensure a comfortable stay. The opportunity to camp amidst a recovering forest provides a poignant and educational experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the resilience of Oregon’s natural landscapes firsthand. For families, this can be a powerful lesson in ecology and environmental recovery.

Furthermore, Rainbow Campground remains a fantastic base for pursuing classic Oregon outdoor activities. Its direct access to the Clackamas River caters to anglers and whitewater enthusiasts, while the surrounding trails invite hikers and mountain bikers to explore. The proximity to attractions like Bagby Hot Springs adds another layer of recreational opportunity. For locals who are intimately connected to Oregon's natural beauty and its conservation, choosing Rainbow Campground is not just a camping trip; it's an act of supporting the recovery of a cherished natural area and experiencing the ongoing story of their state's wild places. It's a place where the sounds of the river and the quiet regeneration of the forest provide a uniquely Oregonian backdrop for lasting memories.

Rainbow Campground

Estacada, OR 97023, USA