After a long hike north and south this is the first contact of the PCT trail with a paved road, Hwy 173 that ends here at a wide parking area. This is also the best free trailhead parking area to hike 6 miles to the popular Deep Creek Hot Springs. A mile in, the trail crosses a wide ford where the creek is dry or so shallow much of the year that it won't get the shoes wet. If waters are high after rain or snow melt a parallel track can be taken along the dam. At the hot springs a shorter trail that would require fording the creek goes to Bowen Ranch, where for many years parking and trail access was offered for a fee, about $10. There are reports that Bowen Ranch has been recently closed at times, but there are apparently neighboring farm options. Alternatively from here a dirt road goes up the ridge, from where a trail leads down to the springs.