Josephine County
Bear Camp Road - Hell's Gate to Agness
The Bear Camp Road is the shortest distance between Grant's Pass and Gold Beach. It is paved pretty much the whole way (some very short gravel stretches depending on maintenance). It is not, however, the easiest drive in the world. The route is very curvaceous, there are parts of the narrow road that are subject to blockage from slides and falling rocks, it is minimally maintained, there are no services, and few signs. The unpopulated landscape is dominated by forested coastal mountains and logging has altered the countryside considerably. Side roads off of the main road are dirt and usually lead to an area that was logged at one time or another. In season, it is used by hunters; in good weather. a few tourists make the drive; and during the summer, the Rogue River rafting companies sometimes shuttle cars across it. There is a minimalist camp site at Bear Camp summit - hence the name of the road. The most challenging part of the drive is that between Galice and Agness, but weather related problems can happen virtually anywhere along the way. This is definitely not a road that you want to take in the winter. Why some folks do so is beyond me. Far too often someone tries and dies as a result. It snows in these parts and the road becomes impassable. People get stuck in the snow and die of exposure. The Bear Camp Road can be a pleasant summer wander (as long as you are not in a hurry), but don't drive it in the winter.
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