Hunter Creek Falls is a 35-foot waterfall on Hunter Creek in Washoe County, Nevada, about three miles up the Hunter Creek Trail west of Reno.
The falls
The waterfall is a single, unclassified drop at an elevation of about 6,170 feet. A lidar-based measurement stands close to 35 feet, still marked unconfirmed; another figure is 30 feet.
Getting there
The Michael D. Thompson Trailhead is the recognized start of the Hunter Creek Trail, with main and overflow parking, restrooms, a drinking fountain, picnic tables and a kiosk; there is no fee. A dirt route with stream crossings leads to the falls; the hike runs about 3 miles one way with roughly 1,000 feet of gain, close to a separate estimate of roughly 6 miles round trip. Washoe County's 2016 trail guide instead shows a shorter 5-mile round trip with more climbing, 1,410 feet. The trailhead gate is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and cars left past closing can be locked in.
When to go
A seasonal bear-safety advisory covers the area from March 1 through November 11, 2026.
On site
The route includes stream crossings and long exposed stretches, and dogs must be kept on a leash. The trail is steep, rocky and narrow with drop-offs in its upper section, unsuitable for small children and not wheelchair accessible.
Nearby
Galena Creek Falls is about 9.6 miles away, Jumbo Falls about 15.2 miles, and Kings Canyon Falls about 22 miles.
Distances are straight-line.