Facility · Wisconsin ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Chequamegon National Forest (NF) · Open Access
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 thoughout 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!
46.41790, -91.30141 · 46°25'4.4"N 91°18'5.1"W
Typically 77°F in Jul, down to 19°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 19 | 25 | 37 | 50 | 64 | 73 | 77 | 75 | 68 | 53 | 36 | 24 |
| Low °F | 3 | 6 | 18 | 28 | 41 | 51 | 56 | 55 | 48 | 35 | 23 | 11 |
| Precip in | 1.2 | 1.1 | 2.1 | 3.2 | 4.1 | 3.7 | 5.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 3.2 | 2.1 | 1.6 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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