Hunter Creek Trail

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.