Thomas Creek Falls

Thomas Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest south of Reno, where Thomas Creek tumbles over volcanic rock in a forested canyon on the slopes of Slide Mountain. The falls consist of several cascading drops through a boulder-strewn creek bed surrounded by aspen groves and mountain mahogany. While not the tallest waterfall in Nevada, the setting is scenic, and the trail through the lower canyon offers wonderful views of the Reno valley and the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks. In autumn, the aspens along the creek turn brilliant gold, creating one of the most colorful waterfall hikes in the region.

The Thomas Creek Trail covers about 4.3 miles round trip with moderate elevation gain, following Thomas Creek upstream through a scenic canyon. The trail starts at Thomas Canyon Campground and winds along the creek on a steady incline through the Ruby Mountain area. There are two technical creek crossings where water shoes are recommended during spring runoff. The trail passes through diverse terrain including sagebrush, aspen groves, and conifer forest, with wildflowers blooming along the creek in spring and early summer.

March through November is the best hiking window, with the waterfall flowing strongest from April through June during snowmelt. The autumn foliage display in September and October is a major draw, even when the falls are running low. The trailhead is easily accessible from Reno via Mount Rose Highway. The campground provides a convenient base for overnight stays.