Southern Oregon Inland Loop

Alternative Inland Loop: Southern Oregon (well, all of Oregon, for that matter) is replete with scenic back roads providing alternative ways to get around. From June to about early October—when snowfall doesn’t close it—the Shasta Costa Road from Gold Beach to Galice is a great adventure: an intimate look at the sylvan Siskiyou National Forest on an only-recently, sometimes-questionably, paved and narrow road that proves a rewarding break from the “usual.” If you have the time to move slowly, try this route. Watch for signs from just north of Gold Beach on 101 directing you east toward Agness or Galice (the Shasta Costa Road is also called 33, and later 23). You’ll feel far removed from civilization as you make your way through the forest. From Galice, follow signs to the tiny hamlet of Merlin (there’s a great inn in this unlikeliest of places; see the Pine Meadow Inn) and on to Grants Pass. Your loop might take you south from Grants Pass on 199 South through the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, on through the immense, redwood groves and impossible, rock-bound canyons of the Smith River Gorge, all the way back to Hwy 101 near Crescent City. From here, it’s a quick trip (about 40 miles) back up to Gold Beach. Refer to our Southern Oregon itinerary for a look at all there is to do inland in this beautiful region.