Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Discover Hunter Creek Trail: A Hidden Reno Gem with a Waterfall and Wildflowers in Spring












Hunter Creek Trail
-Access trail from Michael D. Thompson Trailhead
-Moderate 5.7mi. out &back, 1,181ft. elevation gain with avg. completion time of 3hrs.

Hike Snapshot
Hunter Creek Trail is one of Reno's top hikes.  Scenic views, wildflowers in spring, and a beautiful forest that features a waterfall make it highly sought out by nature and outdoor enthusiasts.  This trail is accessible from the western edge of Reno, making it ideal for locals and visitors alike.    

Be intrigued and inspired by Hunter Creek Trail, a Reno gem nestled in the mountains that will spark your Darwinian instincts to discover, explore, and document.

As you ascend into the mountains, you'll be met with larger-than life backdrops of diverse scenes made by forces beyond our scope.

Witness panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance, rugged canyons, a lush valley thriving alongside Hunter Creek, vistas that excite, & a magical & thriving forest with scattered patches of lovely creeks that lead up to a roaring waterfall.

You'll get a feeling of grandeur...like that feeling you get while watching Jurassic Park and The Land Before Time, and you'll realize how lucky we are to be living so close to beauty so unreal.

Visit between mid-spring & early summer and  the trail will be lined with wildflowers, welcoming you like royalty.

Excite and awaken all of your senses, grow your love for Reno and our earth, and inspire your personal passions here at Hunter Creek Trail.

Notes
*Restrooms at trailhead
*hike ideal in cool weather as shade is limited to end of hike
*bring lots of water & snacks, especially when hiking with children
*Creek next to bridge, 2mins. from parking lot- shallow and ideal for water play
*Check hourly weather to dress accordingly (wind, temp., and UV)
*hat with strap highly recommended when windy
*Hiking poles can come in handy for those looking for more support
*Dog + runner friendly
*sunscreen for lips & body
*few spots of paths made of rocks, easy to walk on
*Not stroller friendly
*Steady incline all the way to the falls, with few moderate stretches of climbs throughout hike
*Great for photography.  Don't forget to charge phone and camera.
*View of Reno skyline at beginning 1/4 of hike.  Don't forget to look back throughout the trail for cool views.
*Mosquitos common in forest at sunset
*Bring a picnic, leave no trace.  Ideal picnic spot right next to waterfall, where you can find huge logs to sit on.
*Few rock & log crossings in the forest (see pictures below)
*Watch out for loose gravel on the way back to the parking lot
*Facing the waterfalls you'll see a trail to the left and wonder if it's worth hiking up. Not worth the effort in my opinion as there are many things obstructing the view and it was so steep & dangerous.
*If you cross the log at waterfall to other side it will loop you back on the path.
*Download the AllTrails app for free to help keep you on track and informed of pacing, distance, elevation, and time.
*Check out AllTrails for reviews on snow levels early spring

Trailhead next to parking lot.
Look back at the beginning 10 minutes of the hike and you'll be able to see our skyline.
This creek is a minute or two from the parking lot and is ideal for water play.
Most wildflowers were gone 7/30/23, but I was able to find several on my hike.
The trail with the most wildflowers to date.
First creek to cross on the way to the waterfall.
Second crossing.
The log you walk on to get in front of the waterfall and to cross to the other side.
I could spend the whole day here photographing nature.
The last crossing to loop back onto the main trail.
Getting hit with golden light is the most magical thing ever.

My Fun Adventure
*Legs burned a bit.
*Had an insane time racing against the clock trying to finish the hike before losing light.
*Got eaten alive by starving mosquitos.
*Got distracted by a beautiful rock and went down the wrong path.
*Played with dragon flies, butterflies, and lizards.  Got scared by dragon flies as they flew into my face. LOL
*Love my life.

Categorized under "Hikes"

***All opinions are my own.  Information subject to change.

Photography
© Katherine Fung
All rights reserved.