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Hunter Creek Trail

Reno, Nevada

3.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

6.43 miles

Elevation Gain

1362 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Lecia Finney

Just a short drive from Reno, Hunter Creek Trail features rolling hills with a beautiful waterfall at the end.

Just outside of Reno find a fun little hike through the hills along a creek, ending at a beautiful waterfall.  The trail is heavily trafficked and easy to follow with two creek crossings.  It is mostly a moderate but steady climb on the way out, with just a few steep spots.

The parking lot has about 15 spots, and probably fills up fast on a weekend.  This winter Thursday morning it was about half full.  There is a water fountain for humans and K9s (off in the winter) and a restroom (also closed for winter, but there was a porta-potty).   

The trailhead is pretty obvious, and leads right to a creek crossing.  There are a lot of ways to get across the creek on rocks or getting your feet a little wet, but if you follow the little spur trails along for a half a mile or so you will spot a little metal bridge (see pics).  Look for the 10' tall white water tower at the creekside to find the bridge.

Once you get across, the trail is obvious and footing is good. It parallels the creek, across a few talus fields, and into a wooded area. The trail is a little frozen in the woods in winter, probably muddy in shoulder seasons.  We brought micro-spikes to put on our boots and certainly appreciated them. 

Just before the waterfall there is a broad tree felled across the creek for crossing.  Careful about this in the winter, its frozen and slippery.  Once across, there are a bunch of logs and nice areas to relax and enjoy the waterfall before you turn back. The return trip is almost all gradual down hill, and you can locate the  metal bridge by the split in the trail in sight of the parking lot. 

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Features

Photography
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Scenic
Waterfall

Hunter Creek Trail Reviews

Fairly easy hike but the path is narrow and traverses along a slope so it's not very flat. There's no shade except for the very end so not the best for hot, sunny days. Great hike in fall/winter if it's free of snow or in the spring when the waterfall volume is highest.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

West Plateau Loop

Dorostkar Park Nature Trail

Upper Chalk Creek Trail

Oxbow Nature Study Area Nature Trail

Peavine Peak Trail

Truckee River Pathway: Downtown to Dorostkar Park