Winter spin-outs, chain-up area breakdowns, summit blowouts — Ashland-based recovery for the highest point on Interstate 5.
The Siskiyou Pass is the highest point on all of Interstate 5 — 4,310 feet at the summit — and the most demanding stretch of highway in Oregon. Between the California state line and Ashland (exits 1 through 19), grades run 6% for miles, weather changes by the minute in winter, and chains go from optional to mandatory while you're still climbing. When vehicles lose the argument with this mountain, Grizzly Towing and Recovery is the closest tow truck: we're based in Ashland, at the bottom of the north side.
Winter is when the pass earns its reputation. Spin-outs at the chain-up areas, cars sliding off at the Mt. Ashland exit (exit 6), trucks and trailers in trouble on the Siskiyou Summit grade, and black ice below Callahan's that catches drivers who thought they'd cleared the worst of it. We run winch-out and recovery for light-duty vehicles all winter — carefully, with proper rigging, from someone who drives this pass year-round and knows exactly where the trouble spots are.
Summer brings its own breakdowns: overheated engines on the long climb, brake fade coming down (use your gears — the runaway ramps exist for a reason), blowouts from heat-soaked tires, and out-of-state travelers stranded a long way from anyone they know. If that's you: you're not far from help. Ashland is minutes away, and you'll deal with the owner, not a call center.
While you wait on the pass: stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on if you're anywhere near the travel lanes — the shoulder of I-5 is one of the most dangerous places you can stand. Hazards on, wheels turned away from traffic, and in winter keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow if you're running the engine for heat. Check current summit conditions at TripCheck before you cross, and carry chains from November through April even when the valley is dry.
Heavy trucks and semis are outside what a one-truck light-duty shop can recover — but call anyway if you're not sure. Brian will tell you straight what you need and who to call, because the only thing worse than being stuck on the Siskiyous is being stuck twice.
Office hours Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Calls answered 24/7 — after hours Brian's dispatch assistant takes your details and puts you first in line for the morning.