The “Rainbow Family” is a commune of modern-day hippies that gather annually to camp together in different national forests. However, this year, their camping tradition was abruptly ended in the Plumas National Forest in California. The US Forest Service issued an order for the approximately 500 permitless campers to leave within 48 hours or face fines and jail time. This eviction marks the first time since their inception in 1972 that the Rainbow Family has been forced to end their annual gathering.
The Rainbow Family is known as the “largest non-organization of non-members in the world.” They intentionally avoid obtaining permits because they claim to have no leaders to sign them on behalf of the group. Despite lacking official permits, the commune sets up various facilities such as welcome tents, camping and social areas, parking spaces, health care sites, and outdoor kitchens. They also designate specific areas for group gatherings, parties, families, women, and men. However, this year’s event was expected to draw around 10,000 visitors, overwhelming the Plumas National Forest and posing a threat to its natural environment.
Around 500 members of the Rainbow Family had already set up camp near Indian Creek Headwaters in the national forest before the eviction order was issued. The US Forest Service justified the order by citing concerns about the protection of natural and cultural resources, fire danger, public health and sanitation, and upholding permitted special uses. Plumas National Forest Supervisor Chris Carlton emphasized the importance of maintaining public health and safety as well as appropriate stewardship of public lands and resources.
Locals were unhappy with the sudden arrival of the commune and fought against their stay in town. Four tribes in the region, including Mountain Maidu, Paiute, Pit River, and Washoe, wrote to the Rainbow Family asking them to reconsider their camping location. Lassen County Supervisor Jason Ingram also opposed the gathering due to concerns about illegality, increased fire risk, environmental impact, and disrespect shown to local tribes. Ingram celebrated the news of the commune’s forced cancellation, highlighting the community’s efforts in bringing it about.
In conclusion, the Rainbow Family’s annual camping tradition in the Plumas National Forest was abruptly halted this year due to an eviction order by the US Forest Service. Concerns about the protection of resources, fire danger, public health, and sanitation were cited as reasons for the order. Local tribes and officials also voiced their opposition to the gathering. This marks the first time in over 50 years that the commune has been forced to cancel their event, a significant development for the Rainbow Family and those involved in advocating for its cancellation.
