Rainbow Range (Chilcotin Plateau)

Mountain Colorful volcanic mountains on British Columbia's Chilcotin Plateau

A volcanic subrange on the Chilcotin Plateau known for mineral-streaked slopes and remote backcountry routes. Hikers and photographers use multi-day treks to access plateau panoramas and coloured rock formations.

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Rainbow Range (Chilcotin Plateau)
52.7165, -125.8199

How to Get to Rainbow Range (Chilcotin Plateau) #

Access is via Highway 20 to the Bella Coola area and then by logging roads and trails into the Chilcotin Plateau; distances are large and many approaches require 4x4 vehicles or multi‑day trekking. Local outfitters in Williams Lake or Bella Coola can arrange transport and guides.

Tips for Visiting Rainbow Range (Chilcotin Plateau) #

  • Access is remote - plan for several days and carry a reliable map and emergency gear
  • Be prepared for rapidly changing weather and limited cell reception
  • Pack light but sufficient camping gear; permitted camping spots are few and basic

Best Time to Visit Rainbow Range (Chilcotin Plateau) #

Best in midsummer for comfortable hiking conditions; plan expeditions and check local guides for remote route conditions.

Summer (Jul-Aug)
Jul-Aug · 5-20°C
Mild weather and long daylight; ideal for trekking in the plateau.
Late spring (May-Jun)
May-Jun · 0-15°C
Thawing snow and early wildflowers; trails can be muddy.

Weather & Climate near Rainbow Range (Chilcotin Plateau) #

Climate

Rainbow Range (Chilcotin Plateau)'s climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 15°C. Moderate rainfall (903 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
15°
Warmest Month
-16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -16°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-16° -5°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-15° -2°

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-13° -1°

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 11°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 11°

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (106 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-12° -3°

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -15°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-15° -4°

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

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