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An out-and-back, mostly sun-exposed, path along Hunter Creek, featuring a waterfall.


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Map Key

6.0

Miles

9.6

KM

85%

Runnable

6,138' 1,871 m

High

4,984' 1,519 m

Low

1,175' 358 m

Up

1,174' 358 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Waterfall

Open year-round for hikers and runners.

Overview

This fun run is a favorite amongst locals for it's easy accessibility, dramatic landscape, and beautiful waterfall destination. At six miles round-trip, it makes for a great afternoon outing.

Need to Know

Much of this run has little to no shade. Sunscreen recommended.

Runner Notes

Areas of talus and rock fall are present in various areas throughout the trail but are easy to navigate (flattened well). There are two very short creek crossings, both are shallow (at most mid shin) the first with solid rocks to step across (near the start) and the second with wood logs to cross (near the turn around).

Description

Start in a parking lot with a water fountain (including a doggy water fountain for fido!) and a bathroom with running water and a sink. There is a well-marked sign for the Hunter Creek Trailhead. Start down the hill to the first creek crossing, with solid rocks to hop across. Shortly after this, you'll see a fork, on the left the trail leads to the creek. This is the last place to access the creek for the next 2 miles. (Important if you have a dog using the creek for water.)

From here, start moving uphill, to a sun-exposed singletrack path with a rare tree for shade. Take this mostly uphill ridge line loosely following Hunter Creek for 2 miles.

There are several areas of talus or fallen rock to navigate, but they are mostly flat and fairly wide. There is one area of larger rocks to scramble for a step or two, but it is short and easy.

Around 2.5 miles, you'll slightly dip into the tree line. This is shady with a nice soft tread to travel over and is still mostly uphill. There are a few false trails, but it is pretty obvious because the main trail is well-trodden.

A second creek crossing (using logs) is located near the waterfall turning point. The creek is very shallow and easy to cross without a lot of skill but if the water is high, you might have to balance on the larger logs.

The end features a waterfall with large fallen trees to sit and rest. It is worth going to this turning point! Now just head back the way you came. The return is mostly downhill and quick.

Note: there are a lot of dogs off leash on this trail, however, the first 3 miles of the trail do require your dog to be on-leash. Please abide by the rules and laws put in place to protect your pup and the wildlife.

Flora & Fauna

This area is a known to have rattlesnakes, mountain lions and black bears, so if you do bring your dog, please keep the pup on-leash (also it is required by the Washoe Country Regional Parks and Open Space as well as the section of the trail owned by the US Forest Service). This is a very well traveled trail so you are not likely to encounter any of the more dangerous animals, but it is still best to plan for the worst and avoid unnecessary risks to you and your pets. Otherwise, there is a large diversity of native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees as well many different species of birds, lizards, and small mammals.

Contacts

Shared By:

ambernikel Mackey with improvements by Aramee Diethelm

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 34 votes

#467

Overall
  4.1 from 34 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
21%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#5

in Nevada

#467

Overall
22 Views Last Month
14,676 Since Sep 19, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

The majority of the trail is singletrack and sun exposed.
Sep 19, 2015 near Mogul, NV
Halfway point!
Oct 16, 2017 near Mogul, NV
There are several areas of talus/fallen rock.
Sep 19, 2015 near Mogul, NV
This sign marks where to access the Steamboat Ditch Trail near the Hunter Creek trailhead.
Sep 21, 2015 near Mogul, NV
Creek crossing near the waterfall.
Sep 19, 2015 near Mogul, NV
First creek crossing
Sep 19, 2015 near Mogul, NV
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