Chinook Pass

Overview

Chinook Pass is a Category 2 climb in the US Pacific Northwest, covering 11.4 km from base to summit with a net elevation gain of 546 m and an average gradient of 4.79%. Those headline numbers suggest a manageable alpine road, but the 16.85% maximum gradient tells a different story — this climb carries genuine sting in specific sections that will punish anyone who rides the early slopes without discipline.

Total ascent across the full effort comes to 1,271 m, a figure noticeably higher than the net gain of 546 m. That gap signals meaningful undulation along the route: the road doesn't simply ramp upward in a straight line. Expect short descents or flat recoveries woven into the climbing, which creates both opportunity and risk. Recovery segments tempt riders to push harder than they should, erasing the rest they needed before the next ramp.

How the Gradient Unfolds

With an average of 4.79% over 11.4 km, the overall pitch sits in a range most trained cyclists can sustain at a strong tempo — but the 16.85% maximum gradient represents a wall-like deviation from that average. Sections hitting double-digit gradients require a significant gear shift, both literally and in terms of effort management.

Given the difference between the average and maximum gradients, the climb likely follows this general pattern:

• Lower slopes: Moderate pitches consistent with or below the 4.79% average, where it's easy to overcook the pace.
• Mid-section ramps: Gradient spikes that push well above average, including sections approaching the 16.85% maximum. These are where poorly paced riders crack.
• Undulating stretches: The gap between net gain and total ascent confirms flatter or descending passages — use these to recover, not accelerate.

Pacing Strategy

The critical error on Chinook Pass is treating the moderate average gradient as permission to ride freely from the bottom. It isn't. The 16.85% maximum demands that you arrive at the steepest sections with reserves.

For pacing guidance tied to your current fitness, use the FTP estimator before attempting this climb. As a Category 2 effort, this will take most riders a significant portion of their aerobic ceiling. Targeting a power output between 75–85% of your FTP on the lower, easier sections is a reasonable starting point — but that target should drop as the road steepens to avoid blowing up before the summit at 1,663 m.

Key pacing rules for this climb:

• Start conservatively. The net elevation gain begins at 1,117 m, and there's plenty of road ahead.
• Identify and anticipate ramps. On a first attempt, slow down slightly before gradient spikes rather than reacting to them.
• Use undulations as recovery, not bonus speed. Spin through flat sections at low effort. Resist surging.
• Hold something back for the steepest pitches. The 16.85% sections will demand everything — budget accordingly.

Gearing Notes

For a climb with a near-17% maximum gradient, compact or sub-compact gearing is strongly advisable unless you are an exceptionally strong climber. A compact chainset (50/34) paired with an 11-32 or 11-34 cassette gives most riders the range needed to maintain a smooth cadence through the steepest sections without grinding to a halt.

Riders on standard gearing (52/36 or 53/39) should be honest about their climbing strength before committing. Mashing a large gear on a 16–17% ramp accelerates muscular fatigue rapidly and often costs more time than spinning a lower gear at higher cadence.

Target a cadence of 75–85 RPM on the steep sections rather than dropping into the 60s. The difference is significant over a sustained effort on a climb of this length.