In August 2009 Jeff Webber and I rode from Sellwood in Portland to Hood River over Lolo Pass - about 90 miles and 8,000' of elevation gain.  We were inspired by one of the Rapha Continental rides, and this is a gorgeous and challenging ride.  The route from the Sandy River through Marmot is drop-dead beautiful, and the ride over Lolo itself will give you tunnel vision on a hot day.


Rapha Lolo Pass pictorial
Rapha Continental Lolo Pass ride description
Bicycling Trimble Lolo Pass map/description


"The last time I rode it, this summer, I almost passed out. When finally I was forced to stop and plant my feet, something up until that point I had never in eight years of cycling done, my knees buckled and my vision warbled and I had a full blown flight or fight attack. That and the ninety-five degree heat, the humidity, my lack of water and the knowledge (certainty) that any minute I would be passed, was suffering at it’s best. In fact I’m not sure I’ve ever ridden Lolo Pass, I’ve just endured it, and even that, just barely."– Daniel Pasley