Rainbow Pool sits along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River about 15 miles east of Groveland on Highway 120, making it an easy day trip if you’re exploring the Sierra foothills. What makes this spot special is that it’s actually a series of pools stacked together, fed by a waterfall in spring that creates a genuinely striking backdrop—the kind of place where you’ll want your camera ready, especially when the water’s flowing strong.

The setup is straightforward and practical. There’s a day-use parking area right off the highway where you can grab a spot without much fuss, and from there it’s just a short walk down to the water. You’ll find picnic tables scattered around if you want to settle in for the afternoon, along with restrooms so you’re not stuck without facilities. The pools themselves range in depth, so you can pick a spot that works for your dog’s swimming comfort level.

The main thing to remember is keeping your dog leashed around other visitors and their dogs, which keeps things calm for everyone sharing the space. It’s the kind of unwritten rule that makes sense when multiple groups are there on a warm weekend. Obviously pick up after your dog too—these spots stay nice when people respect them.

The water in spring tends to be cold and sometimes murky depending on runoff, so check conditions before you go if your dog isn’t a confident swimmer. Summer is usually more swimmable, though the waterfall diminishes as the season goes on. If you’re driving in from Groveland, watch for the Cherry Lake Road signs on your left; that’s your cue that you’re close. The parking area has a right turn just before those signs, and you’ll spot the day-use area sign marking the entrance.