Bear Basin Butte Road, California

Backcountry Adventures - Smith River National Recreation Area

The paved road to Bear Basin Butte begins at Highway 199 and climbs for ten miles to the Bear Basin Butte Fire Lookout and trailheads into the Siskiyou Wilderness. The pavement ends at an intersection where you have the choice to turn and drive four miles of dirt road to the Siskiyou Wilderness trailheads for Island Lake, Devil's Punchbowl, Buck Lake, Wilderness Falls, and the Clear Creek National Recreation Trail or continue driving on the scenic Ship Mountain Road, a 15 mile gravel road that takes you to the paved South Fork Road and back to Highway 199 near Redwood National Park.

The Bear Basin Butte Road is known by several names. On Highway 199, the road is called Little Jones Creek Road, on maps is is called the Jawbone Road, Forest Service signs call it Road 16 or 17N05 and locals refer to it as the Bear Basin Butte Road, the name of it's destination. Fortunately for visitors, this is the only paved backcountry road into this part of the Smith River National Recreation Area so as long as you stay on the paved road you will be going the right way.

There are no gas stations within 20 miles of this road so be certain to fill up before taking the drive. The O'Brien Store is the nearest gas station to the north and Hiouchi Store is the nearest gas station to the south. The total distance to go up the Bear Basin Butte Road and return to Highway 199 on the Ship Mountain Road and South Fork Road is about 45 miles. Fifteen of those miles are on fairly well maintained gravel roads but you should expect to find occasional 2-4 inch diameter rocks in the road that have rolled off of road cuts. For the most part you can drive around these rocks but in some places driving over them is unavoidable. Be certain the tires on your car are suitable for driving on gravel surfaced roads. Always carry extra food, water and warm clothing when traveling in the back country.

During the late fall, winter, and early spring this road may be closed by snow in higher elevations. Ice may form on the pavement at any elevation. Rain often dislodges rocks from road cuts that roll onto the road. If you decide to go on this route during winter months, drive with additional caution, carry tire chains, and always carry survival supplies such as blankets and food anytime you travel in the back country during the winter.

Directions to Bear Basin Butte Road

The intersection for the road to Bear Basin Butte is located about three miles north of Patrick Creek Lodge or about eight and a half miles south of the tunnel near the Oregon-California border. The sign on Highway 199 calls it the Little Jones Creek Road.

Road Guide for the Bear Basin Butte Road

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...