NF Road 20 Gravel Climb - Applegate, Oregon

United States Oregon NF Road 20

36.8

PDI

12 mi

DISTANCE

5,018 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

7.8 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Ryan Taylor, Medford, OR

INTRO

NF Road 20 - also known as Beaver Creek Road - climbs out of the Applegate Valley south of Jacksonville, Oregon, into the Siskiyou Mountains. PJAMM's current data has it at 11.98 miles with 5,018 feet of gain, averaging 7.8%, finishing at the historic Dutchman Peak fire lookout above 7,400 feet. It's currently ranked in the top 50 climbs in the world on PJAMM's Difficulty Index, not far, geographically, from the other big gravel climbs around Mount Ashland. The road was originally built in 1936-37 by the Civilian Conservation Corps to access the high country of the eastern Siskiyous, and it still runs along the crest for long stretches. Riders who've done it describe the gravel as well-maintained and rideable on a standard road bike with wider tires, though a gravel bike is the better tool. There are occasional rockslide debris fields along the way, none serious enough to require dismounting, but forest cover blocks most views until near the top. The climb finishes at Dutchman Peak Lookout, the last of the original 1927 cupola-style fire lookouts still in use in the region, staffed during summer months. It's easy to come up short of the true summit - the route splits off around mile 11, with another 0.8 miles and roughly 8% average grade required to actually reach the tower at 7,417 feet.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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The average grade for the full 12 miles is 7.8%, with a properly steep start: PJAMM's segment data shows the first 100 yards averaging over 21% and the opening quarter-mile still near 13.8%. The grade eases through the first mile (11.3% average) and continues to mellow through the middle of the climb - the 2.5-mile split averages 9.9%, and by five miles in it's down near 9.2%. The final push to the Dutchman Peak Lookout itself, a roughly 0.8-mile spur that splits off around mile 11, holds about 8% - a fitting, sustained finish after the long, gradually easing climb below it.

**Roadway:** The road is gravel for essentially the entire climb and, as of recent PJAMM rides, in very good, well-maintained condition - solid enough that a motivated rider could do it on a standard road bike with wider tires, though a gravel bike remains the better call. There are occasional rockslide debris fields along the route, but none serious enough to require dismounting. Trees line the road for nearly its whole length, so don't expect open views until you're near the top. **Traffic:** This is a quiet forest road with light use - mostly other cyclists, occasional Forest Service vehicles, and visitors headed to the Dutchman Peak lookout or nearby dispersed camping. It's a low-traffic climb by design, well off any highway corridor. **Parking:** Beaver-Sulphur Campground sits along Forest Road 20 not far from the start of the climb and makes a natural place to park. There's no dedicated cyclist trailhead beyond that - riders typically stage from the campground or a pullout along Upper Applegate Road before turning onto FR-20.

A gravel bike with tires in the 38-42mm range is the sweet spot - the road surface is well-maintained enough that narrower setups can work, but wider tires give more margin on the rockslide debris and the steep opening ramp. Bring all your water and food for the day; there are no services along the climb. A light jacket is worth carrying for the descent, since the Dutchman Peak lookout sits above 7,400 feet and can be notably colder and windier than the Applegate Valley floor below.

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 climb starts about 27 miles south of Medford via Highway 238 through Jacksonville and Ruch, then south on Upper Applegate Road to Forest Road 20 - a scenic drive through Applegate wine country before you even reach the trailhead. Beaver-Sulphur Campground at the base makes a good staging point if you want to camp before or after the ride. This climb sits close to other major Siskiyou gravel climbs, including the routes up toward Mount Ashland, so it pairs well with a multi-day gravel trip through the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The Dutchman Peak lookout at the top is staffed during summer months and worth a stop if the volunteer is in.