24.2
PDI
16.5 mi
DISTANCE
4,624 ft
GAINED
5.3 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
This is a well deserved Top 100 US Climb. The ascent is brutal and the descent one of the most difficult and even treacherous we have ever encountered. We initially ascended from the east for the 20 miles to Bear Camp Overlook, then began the 16 mile descent to the Rogue River and beginning of the western ascent. Beware the sign at the beginning of the ride: "Remote Road System Ahead: Danger: You Could Get Stranded and Die."
"One of the most isolated climbs in this guide, the west side of Bear Camp Summit is very scenic and single lane in places. Winter storms wash this road out occasionally so check with the ranger station before you go. The grade eases before the top..." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, pg. 207.)
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. The average grade of this climb is 5.3% with 38% (6.2 miles) in the 0-5% range and 60% (9.8 miles) at 5-10%. The steepest quarter-mile is 8.5% and steepest continuous mile is 7.9%.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway: Paved the entire climb, but in poor condition in areas.
Traffic: Next to none.
Parking: The least of your worries . . .
Provisions: None along the route.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
The recreation community of Agnes is a mile south of the start of our climb, on the Rogue River. Six miles north is Foster Bar which is is the finish of the "Wild and Scenic" section of the Rogue River - Map; Street View. Come for the river (Northwest Rafting), stay for the epic bike climb - note, this rafting trip ends at Foster Bar so you would need to have left your second vehicle and bike at Foster Bar and driven to the launch spot 35 miles (by river, 67 by car) north at Grave Creek - Map - Foster Bar to Grave Creek.
This climb is fairly remote and you may want to consider rental options in Bagnell Ferry, OR which is 30 miles west of the start of the climb.
ROUTE MAP
MEMBER RATING
CURRENT WEATHER
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NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY
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DBlondfield
Nice climb. Stayed at Cougar Lane Lodge about a mile from the start. Road surface was great. However there were 5 gravel/ unpaved sections. 4 in the 6 to 9 km stretch. Longest was 100 meters. One more higher up before the Vista pull out. Very short. None were a problem. I would not ride this after a big rain storm unless you drive it first. Road is single lane with wide spots. Fine for bikes. Felt a little anticlimactic at the top. Not much of a view and no elevation sign. Loved the climb profile. Got the steeper part done in the first third of the climb. Drove it pulling a trailer the next day. Very remote.
RogueChip
I rode this 10/21/23. Awesome ride. Here's a vid I did.
https://youtu.be/bIIbwlLRD40
carlinguernsey
I was going to ride this climb, but I decided to not do it alone after I drove it in the car. It is very remote with almost no traffic. The road on the west side was in especially bad condition when I saw it. There were at least five gravel stretches that seemed to be mainly on the steeper parts. The east side was in better condition. Maybe I'll come back some time as part of a group...
