High Pass Challenge

"Ride Hard, Climb High, and Ride Fast."

The High Pass Challenge is a strenuous mountain ride that climbs over Independence Pass, then winds past scenic Spirit Lake on the way to the Windy Ridge Viewpoint in the Mt. St. Helens National Monument area.

This is a ride you don't want to miss!

Registration opens once pass conditions are assesed, usually around June.

Beginning and ending in Packwood, Washington, the High Pass Challenge route uses low traffic paved national forest roads to explore the natural beauty that makes Washington special.  Riders get timed to the top. Based on your timed result to the top you earn a finisher's medal. Every rider receives a finishers gift, picnic lunch, food stops and road support.

This is one of the most beautiful and unique places on earth, so enjoy the ride!

The High Pass Challenge was developed for the Cascade Bicycle Club in 2007 by Tom Meloy.

Tom became a Ride Leader in 2003 and served on the Cascade Board of Directors in 2007. While on Cascade's Board of Directors, Tom presented the idea of a new event tailored for hardcore riders; he felt the route from Packwood to Windy Ridge on Mt. St. Helens would be perfect. At the same time, Tom founded the High Performance Cycling Team for Cascade, and it is no coincidence that both the team and the High Pass Challenge are abbreviated as “HPC.” The goal was to develop both a Cascade event and a cycling team that would appeal to people who like to climb and ride long distances.  As the back of the HPC jersey attests, high performance cyclists like to "Ride Hard, Climb High, and Ride Fast."  The High Pass Challenge provides participants with the opportunity to do all three!"

Medals are awarded at the Finish Line Festival based on how quickly riders make it to the top of Windy Ridge. This is done based on a 7 a.m. start time for ALL riders.