Rainbow Lake Wilderness

Rainbow Lake Wilderness is a 7,175-acre federally designated Wilderness Area in Wisconsin, managed by the Forest Service. It protects a primitive backcountry landscape where motorized travel, mechanized equipment, and developed infrastructure are prohibited. The area is designed for non-motorized recreation and self-reliant travel.

Visitors come here primarily for hiking and backpacking in pursuit of solitude and backcountry immersion. The Wilderness enforces strict Leave No Trace principles—you'll encounter no roads, no motors, and no maintained facilities. All travel must be on foot, and the experience demands self-sufficiency: navigation, water treatment, and camp craft are your responsibility.

Access is seasonal and weather-dependent. Summer and early fall offer the most reliable conditions for backcountry travel, though the area remains accessible during shoulder months. Winter conditions can be severe and hazardous. Before visiting, familiarize yourself with current Forest Service regulations, trail conditions, and permit requirements—rules governing Wilderness use are designed to protect both the landscape and your safety.