Hunter Creek Falls

Waterfall · Washoe County County, NV · 39.465112, -119.917686

Directions to the trailhead Open in Google Maps
Closure or warning on file

USFS: Mt. Rose Wilderness restrictions prohibit motorized vehicles and equipment, bicycles, and other wheeled or mechanized transport. The trail is rated moderate with about 1,200 ft of gain.

Hunter Creek Falls at the end of the Hunter Creek Trail, September 2020
Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
Hike
3.04 mi each way
Elevation gain
1200 ft

Hunter Creek Falls is a waterfall on Hunter Creek in Washoe County, Nevada. Reaching it is a 3.04 mi hike each way with 1200 ft of elevation gain. Flow season is not on file yet.

01

Closures and warnings

USFS: Mt. Rose Wilderness restrictions prohibit motorized vehicles and equipment, bicycles, and other wheeled or mechanized transport. The trail is rated moderate with about 1,200 ft of gain. As of September 30, 2026.

02

The falls

Flow noteUSFS says the trail leads to a waterfall at its end but does not publish flow season; expect highest flows after winter snowmelt.
03

Access

Hike3.04 mi each way
Elevation gain1200 ft
ParkingMichael D. Thompson Trailhead off Woodchuck Circle, west Reno: water fountain, picnic table, kiosk and restrooms.
FeeNo fee posted on the USFS Hunter Creek Trail page or the Washoe County trailhead page
HoursTrail access when open; Carson Ranger District office Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. for information (not a gate schedule)
Managed byUSDA Forest Service, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (Carson Ranger District), Mt. Rose Wilderness
04

Common questions

Common questions

Is Hunter Creek Falls open?

USFS: Mt. Rose Wilderness restrictions prohibit motorized vehicles and equipment, bicycles, and other wheeled or mechanized transport. The trail is rated moderate with about 1,200 ft of gain. As of September 30, 2026. Hours: Trail access when open; Carson Ranger District office Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. for information (not a gate schedule).

How long is the hike to Hunter Creek Falls?

It's a 3.04 mi hike each way with 1200 ft of elevation gain. Parking: Michael D. Thompson Trailhead off Woodchuck Circle, west Reno: water fountain, picnic table, kiosk and restrooms.

Is there a fee at Hunter Creek Falls?

Yes. No fee posted on the USFS Hunter Creek Trail page or the Washoe County trailhead page.

When is Hunter Creek Falls flowing?

USFS says the trail leads to a waterfall at its end but does not publish flow season; expect highest flows after winter snowmelt.

05

Photos

Hunter Creek Falls and its lower cascades, September 2020
Hunter Creek Falls and its lower cascades, September 2020. Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
The Hunter Creek Trail in the canyon west of Reno
The Hunter Creek Trail in the canyon west of Reno. Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
Hunter Creek canyon from the trail
Hunter Creek canyon from the trail. Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
06

Nearby

Public land

Hunter Creek Falls is inside Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and Mt. Rose Wilderness .

Sources

3

More: Nevada waterfalls