View Pacific Crest Trail Deep Creek Hot Springs in Google map
The 2,663 miles (4,286 km) long Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) aligns with the highest portion of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, running from the edge of Manning Park in British Columbia at the US-Canada border to the US- Mexico border.
This is a 15 miles hike along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Canyon of Deep Creek. It starts from the 3N34 Crab Flats Splinter's Cabin Trailhead and ends at the CA173 trail end point. The Deep Creek River, also called “Easily the best swimming river in the State of California”, runs from the San Bernardino Mountains to the junction with the Mojtave River. Along the way, there are famous swimming holes such as Aztec, Peace, Gilligans, Center Cut, Luna and Warm Springs.
The PCT Deep Creek is a state designation Wild Trout Stream, the Deep Creak Wild Trout Area. Deep Creek is also home to the endangered Southwestern Arroyo Toad, which lives in the sandy shore of the creek. There are also mountain lions, golden eagles, and flying squirrels in the area.
This is introductory backpack and training for Sierra trek; test your equipment!
Time
July
Activities
From the trailhead, we go several miles down the river. Stop at water holes, swim and then go several more miles to camping site. The next day we continue the descent, passing a famous hot springs.
The elevation is low and it could get hot as we descend.
Sierra Backpacking training hike. Cooking, Camping, Food related requirements.
[Hiking Merit Badge] [Miles Hike] [Camping Merit Badge] [Star Nights].
Start from Splinter's Cabin Trailhead (Off Hook Creek Rd from CA 173). Swimming along the way and at the Hot Springs.
Reference
Location
Directions
Pit Stops
Gas station that we meet first usually: 28820 Hook Creek Rd, Cedar Glen, CA 92321
Warning - Don't Drink the Hot Springs Water
According to USDA Forest Service: "The Hot Springs pools of Deep Creek contain a rare and sometimes fatal disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. The disease is apparently contained in contaminated soil and transmitted to the Hot Springs pools as the warm water flows through and over the soil."
Food preparation
Equipment
We will distribute ground tarps, hiking gears, and food at Mr. A's house Friday night.
- General hiking gears information: Backpacking Equipment List
- Personal
Regular backpack equipment (backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad). Pack light, no more than 25 pounds.
10 essentials
Pocket knife
First aid kit
Extra clothing
Rain gear
Water bottle
Flashlight or headlamp
Trail food
Matches or fire starter
Sun protection
Map and compass
Windbreaker
Cup and lightweight spork (or spoon and fork)
Toilet paper (distribute within buddy system)
You will want to hike in swim trunks as there are some famous swimming holes on Deep Creek. Bring water shoes or sandals.
Wear boots so we can see how they work.
- Troop
Food will be distributed for meals.
Water bags and trash bags
Lightweight stoves and fuels
Water filters
Weather
Hot during the day and pleasant at night. Tents if rain predicted.
Permit
Adventure Pass is required for parking.
Carpool Plan
Need extra drivers to drive cars to the end point and leave them for the backpackers.
All cars will
start from South Lake Middle School to Deep Creek Backpacking entrance
after dropping off the adults and scouts backpacking, designated drivers continue on to the exit point of the backpacking trip and leave cars there overnight
From there the cars will split into two group
all except one car will be left at the exit point.
the other car, the shuttle car, will then drive all the drivers back to Irvine
The adults backpacking with scouts will drive the cars back to Irvine
Gallery