Ibcalrr, There are no restrictions on Free Hiking along Deep Creek, except at the T-6 crossing which is way upstream close to Lake Arrowhead. Upstream, or downstream you can find wonderful peaceful areas but it is easier to hike along the creek heading upstream from DCHS. I know the stream well heading downstream all the way to the bridge though, and it is well worth your exploring sometime, probably best when its a bit cooler and wear a good pair of water shoes since you do need to cross the creek and various pools in spots. Peace and quiet is abundant all along Deep Creek. You just have to get away from the predominantely busy summer atmosphere at DCHS. You don't have to hike very far away to find it :-) Your Ojai trip sounds fun too :-)

Regarding that poisen oak you got, I was going to ask you how your healing went. I remember you telling us about that and from your stories, you had it bad for a while. Actually on last Friday as I was hiking along Deep Creek I accidently briefly brushed some poisen oak with my left arm. I forgot about it thinking brushing it would probably not cause me to get anything. Well a couple of days later I got some itchy spots on that arm and at first thought it was from bug bites, but now I can see its from the poisen oak. Its not much, just in three small places but clearly I have to stay away from that stuff :-)