Recreation Region: Washburn District

Rainbow Lake Wilderness

Rainbow Lake was one of the first eastern wildernesses designated in 1975. The total area encompasses 6,583 acres, located 4 miles north of Drummond, Wis., in Bayfield County. Among the unique features of this wilderness are the numerous narrow gauge railroad grades that were used for log hauling in the early 1900s. The North Country National Scenic Trail, which runs the length of the wilderness (north to south), and the Anderson Grade Trail (east to west) follow parts of these old grades. These trails provide access to a variety of lakes that are great for fishing.

Interspersed throughout the wilderness are several scenic lakes and bogs, many of which can be accessed from old grades and the North Country National Scenic Trail.

The terrain in the area is mostly flat to gentle rolling, with some steep hills. Wildlife is abundant, so bring your binoculars and cameras!

General Information

Wilderness Travel Tips

Here are a few tips designed to maximize your wilderness experience:

A detailed map and a compass are a must when venturing into the wilderness.
Make sure someone knows of your travel plans.
Plan to take plenty of bug repellent during the spring through fall seasons.
Take along a first aid kit.
Keep an eye on the weather and plan for the unexpected. Be aware that hypothermia may occur in any season.
Carry an adequate supply of safe drinking water - about one gallon per person per day. All stream or lake water must be properly purified before drinking.
Check yourself periodically for ticks. Deer ticks can carry Lyme disease. A deer tick is smaller than the common wood tick and reddish brown.
Store food properly to avoid animal problems. You can avoid problems with bears by hanging your food high above the ground between trees at night. Never bring food into your sleeping bag or tent!

Rules for "No Trace" Camping

Keep campfires small. Better yet - use a portable camp stove. If you decide to have a fire (campfires are permitted in the wilderness), gather small dead and down wood a good distance from camp. Before leaving camp, "naturalize" the area by scattering any rocks and wood you used to make a fire ring.
Carry out all your unburnable trash such as cans, foil, and glass. Buried trash soon becomes an eyesore as animals uncover it within a short period of time.
Dispose of human waste at least 100 feet from campsites, trails or waterways. Dig a shallow hole and cover. Nature will do the rest.
Carry wash water away from streams or lakes rather than washing in the stream or lake.
Avoid damaging live trees and plants. Minimize site alterations. Good camps are found not made.
Protect the solitude; make your camp out of sight and sound of trails and other camps.
Anything moved for comfort or convenience (such as rocks or logs) should be replaced before leaving.

When visiting, please keep in mind

The possession or use of motorized or mechanized equipment is prohibited. This includes all motor vehicles, bicycles, outboard and electrical motors, and any wheeled devise for transporting canoes, boats, or equipment.
Camping within 200 feet of water or the North Country National Scenic Trail is prohibited.
Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days.
All State of Wisconsin fishing and hunting regulations and license requirements apply in wilderness areas.
Erecting permanent hunting tree stands or ground blinds is prohibited.
Storing or leaving a boat, canoe, equipment, personal property, or supplies is prohibited.
Disposing of debris, garbage or other waste, is prohibited. Please pack out what you pack in.

Restrictions for all National Forest System lands can be found by visiting Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest specific restrictions can be found on the Orders of the Forest Supervisor page.

Address: 113 East Bayfield St. Washburn, WI 54891
Phone: 715-373-2667
Hours: Mon, Tue, and Thu 0830-1200, 1300-1530, closed for lunch from 12:00pm to 1:00pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.cnnfadmin@usda.gov