Hunter Creek Trail and Falls
A moderate 6-mile hike in Reno, NV, leading to a stunning 30+ foot waterfall. Prepare for sun, rocky terrain, and creek crossings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are full, fewer crowds
Hunter Creek Trail and Falls
Best Time
Waterfalls are full, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderate 6-mile hike in Reno, NV, leading to a stunning 30+ foot waterfall. Prepare for sun, rocky terrain, and creek crossings.
"The falls are gorgeous. Plan to be in direct sun for much of the time."
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is rocky and involves creek crossings. Good footwear is a must!
💧 Bring Lots of Water
Minimal shade until the falls means you'll need ample hydration, especially in summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hunter Creek Falls
End of the trail
A breathtaking 30+ foot waterfall, the ultimate reward after a challenging but scenic hike. Perfect for a refreshing dip in warmer months.
+1
Scenic Canyon Views
Along the trail
Experience a dramatic change in scenery as you ascend through a rocky, steep-walled canyon with diverse plant life.
Raging Waters (Seasonal)
Hunter Creek Falls
After a snowy winter, the falls can be exceptionally full and powerful, offering a more intense and dramatic experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Sun and Terrain
Timing is Key for Comfort
The trail can be narrow, making it challenging to pass others during peak times. Consider weekdays to potentially reduce crowds. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is rocky and involves creek crossings. Good footwear is a must!
💧 Bring Lots of Water
Minimal shade until the falls means you'll need ample hydration, especially in summer.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential as most of the hike is exposed.
🚶♀️ Consider a Walking Stick
Helps with balance on rocky terrain and creek crossings.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is rocky and involves creek crossings. Good footwear is a must!
💧 Bring Lots of Water
Minimal shade until the falls means you'll need ample hydration, especially in summer.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential as most of the hike is exposed.
🚶♀️ Consider a Walking Stick
Helps with balance on rocky terrain and creek crossings.
⏰ Start Early to Beat Heat
Avoid the intense midday sun and potential afternoon thunderstorms.
📸 Capture the Falls
The waterfall is the main attraction, so have your camera ready!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning beauty of Hunter Creek Falls, calling it a worthwhile reward for the hike. The trail is described as moderate, with rocky terrain and creek crossings that add to the adventure. Many recommend starting early to avoid the sun and heat, and emphasize the need for good hiking shoes and plenty of water. Some reviewers noted unusual natural phenomena, adding a touch of mystery to the experience.
"We tracked this to be closer to 7 miles in and out. Worth the hike, but not an easy hike. I would consider it moderate. The falls are gorgeous. Plan to be in direct sun for much of the time. Walking sticks could be useful, you do have to cross a few streams balancing on logs.
We saw a strange area with healthy trees snapped in half. Too high to be human, seems unlikely to be wind. Saquatch?? See the image where my hubby is standing beside one of the broken trees. Pretty wild!
We packed lunch and ate at the falls. Great way to spend the morning!"
Kristin Havelka
"Most of the 3 mile hike up is in the sun. So starting early in the day before the heat gets in helps out. The path is also really narrow at times, making passing others that are going the opposite way a little challenging at times."
Travis Hayes
"Nice easy gradual-slope, well-maintained trail to the waterfall, or goes up a scenic, rocky, steep-walled canyon. Interesting change in plants on the way up and back. 6 mile round trip, up to 6040ft elevation."
Conrad Reimer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hunter Creek Trail is located in Reno, Nevada, within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Free parking is available at the trailhead.
Yes, there is free parking available at the trailhead, which is convenient for visitors.
The closest major city is Reno, Nevada. The trail is a popular local spot for hiking and outdoor activities. +1
Yes, you can use GPS to navigate to the Hunter Creek Trailhead. It's a well-known starting point for this popular hike.
Yes, bathrooms are available at the trailhead, which is a useful amenity before starting your hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hunter Creek Trail is free to access, and there is no admission fee or ticket required to hike the trail or see the falls.
The trail is generally open from dawn to dusk, as it is a natural outdoor area. There are no specific operating hours posted.
There is no entrance fee for Hunter Creek Falls. The trail and falls are part of the public lands and are free to enjoy.
Spring is often considered the best season as the waterfalls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt. However, it's beautiful year-round.
Yes, you can visit in winter, and the falls may even partially freeze, offering a unique spectacle. Be prepared for snow and icy conditions. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 6 miles roundtrip, taking about 3-3.5 hours to complete. Some reviewers noted it felt closer to 7 miles.
It's generally considered a moderate hike. The initial part can be rocky, and there are creek crossings, but the payoff is worth it.
The trail has an elevation gain of up to 6040 feet, contributing to its moderate difficulty.
While wildlife is present, there have been unusual reports of snapped trees, leading to speculation about unusual animal activity.
Yes, during warmer months, the falls are a perfect spot to cool off and swim.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the trailhead or along the trail. It's best to pack your own food and drinks.
Absolutely! Many visitors pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic at the falls or by the creek, making it a great way to spend the morning.
Bring plenty of water and snacks. For a longer visit, pack a lunch to enjoy at the scenic waterfall.
Reno offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, perfect for refueling after your hike.
It is not recommended to drink water directly from the creek without proper filtration or purification due to potential contaminants.
📸 📸 Photography
The stunning 30+ foot waterfall is the primary photo opportunity. The scenic canyon views and diverse plant life also make for great shots.
Yes, the waterfall is accessible at the end of the trail. Be mindful of the mist, especially when the water is raging.
Early morning light can be beautiful for landscape shots, but the waterfall is impressive throughout the day. Consider the sun's position for your desired effect.
Drone usage may be restricted in national forests. It's advisable to check with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest for current regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the waterfall and canyon. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for long exposures, especially with moving water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers
The solitude and the impressive waterfall at the end make it a fulfilling experience for those seeking a personal challenge and connection with nature. 🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hunter Creek Trail Experience
Key Takeaways:
- Distance: Approximately 6 miles roundtrip.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with rocky sections and creek crossings.
- Terrain: Varied, from rocky paths to single-track trails.
While the hike itself is rewarding, it's crucial to be prepared. The trail is largely exposed to the sun for most of its length, making ample water, sunscreen, and a hat essential, especially during warmer months.
+1 Starting your hike early in the morning is highly advised to avoid the peak heat and potential afternoon thunderstorms that can occur in the region. Seasonal Variations
The appearance of Hunter Creek Falls can vary significantly throughout the year. After a winter with heavy snowfall, the falls can become a powerful, raging torrent, offering a dramatic and impressive spectacle.
Safety and Preparedness on the Trail
+1 Wearing sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes is non-negotiable due to the uneven and rocky terrain, as well as the need to cross creeks. Beyond the physical demands, hikers should be aware of potential weather changes. Reno can experience sudden thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon.
Essential Preparedness Checklist:
- Water: At least 2-3 liters per person.
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
- Navigation: Map or GPS device (cell service can be spotty).
- First-Aid: Basic kit for minor injuries.
Remember that cell service can be unreliable along the trail, so downloading offline maps or carrying a physical map is a good precaution.
Social
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