Rainbow River
Marion Co. · 6 mi · Class I
526CFS/ 3.45 ft
Above Optimal
Rising slowly (+28 cfs/hr)
Optimal: 200–400 CFS · USGS #02313100
Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
6 mi
Length
Class I
Difficulty
200–400 cfs
Optimal
310 cfs
Avg Flow
279 cfs
Hist. Median
#02313100
USGS Gauge
Rainbow Springs State Park · Florida Aquatic Preserve · Outstanding Florida Water

A first-magnitude spring run flowing six miles of crystal-clear water through Rainbow Springs State Park. The Rainbow River produces over 400 million gallons daily at a constant 72 degrees, creating one of the most visually stunning short paddles in Florida. Designated an Outstanding Florida Water and Aquatic Preserve, the river's turquoise clarity reveals every detail of the lush underwater garden below.

Trip sections
Rainbow Springs headspring to KP Hole — 3 mi, crystal spring run, state park
KP Hole to Withlacoochee confluence — 3 mi, wider, residential edges
Outfitters
Rainbow River Kayak Adventures
Kayak and canoe rentals at KP Hole County Park
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
Loading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
See 10 years of flow patterns for this river — historical analysis is a Pro feature.Upgrade to Pro →
Your Optimal Range
Set your personal optimal CFS window per river — custom ranges are a Pro feature.Upgrade to Pro →
Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.