Washington pass

Overview

Washington Pass is a Category 3 climb in the US that covers 5.9 km at an average gradient of 4.84%, netting 284 meters of elevation gain from start to summit. The total ascent across the segment comes to 371 meters — a figure notably higher than the net gain, which tells you the road isn't a clean linear ramp. There are undulations in here, and riders who treat this as a straightforward steady-state effort often get caught out by the sharper ramps.

Gradient Profile

The average of 4.84% sits in comfortable tempo territory for most trained riders, but the maximum gradient of 10.52% adds real bite at key points on the climb. That 5.68-percentage-point spread between average and max is wide enough to demand attention.

Bottom Section

The lower portion of the climb tends to be where riders set their rhythm. The gradient here broadly reflects the overall average — use it to find a sustainable output rather than surging off the start. The road surface and any early corners will dictate your initial line, but keep your power in check.

Mid-Section Ramps

The difference between total ascent (371 m) and net gain (284 m) suggests there are sections where the road flattens or briefly descends before kicking again. These rollers are where pacing discipline matters most. Resist the urge to recover fully on any flat — you'll want to carry momentum into the next ramp rather than accelerate from a standing effort.

Upper Section

Expect the steepest gradients — up to 10.52% — to appear in concentrated bursts rather than sustained walls. At this pitch, riders already in oxygen debt from the mid-section will feel it acutely. The start elevation of 1,391 meters and summit at 1,675 meters aren't extreme altitude, but thin air at elevation is still a factor for riders coming from sea level.

Pacing Notes

• Target effort: For most riders, 85–92% of FTP is a reasonable ceiling on a Category 3 climb of this length. Going harder early on a sub-6 km climb is a common mistake — the max gradient sections still require reserves.
• Watch the rollers: The gap between net gain and total ascent indicates false flats or brief descents. Don't coast through them; maintain pressure without blowing up.
• Altitude consideration: Starting above 1,390 meters means even modest efforts feel harder than the numbers suggest if you're not acclimatized. Factor this into your power targets using the FTP estimator if you've recently arrived at elevation.

Gearing Recommendations

At 4.84% average with ramps to 10.52%, a compact or mid-compact chainset handles this comfortably for most riders. A 32t or 34t rear sprocket gives adequate bailout on the steepest pitches without sacrificing efficiency on the moderate sections. Riders on 1x drivetrains should ensure their range covers the 10% gradient without forcing them into the largest cog prematurely — you want something left for the upper ramps.

Summary

Washington Pass is an accessible Category 3 climb that punishes complacency more than it punishes fitness. The moderate average gradient makes it approachable, but the gap between average and maximum gradient — nearly six percentage points — means variable effort requirements throughout. Read the road, manage your output on the false flats, and hold back enough to handle whatever the upper section throws at you.