Hidden Springs Trail Guide: West Linn's Ultimate E-Bike Proving Ground
Hidden Springs Road features West Linn's steepest climb—20% grade that separates capable e-bikes from marketing claims. Full route guide and what we test here.
Hidden Springs Climb
The steepest paved climb in West Linn—and the route that separates capable e-bikes from marketing claims.
Why This Route Matters
Every e-bike manufacturer loves to quote power specs. 750 watts. 1000 peak watts. 80Nm of torque. But specs don't climb hills—bikes do.
Hidden Springs Road contains the steepest sustained climb in West Linn, hitting 20% grade at its peak. That's steep enough that many cyclists—even experienced ones—walk this section on regular bikes. It's the difference between reading a spec sheet and feeling your motor strain under real load.
This is why every bike we review gets tested here. Not once, but multiple times, in different assist levels, with different riders. If a bike can't handle Hidden Springs, it can't handle West Linn.
E-Bike Requirements for This Route
- Torque: Minimum 80Nm recommended (100Nm+ preferred)
- Motor Type: Mid-drive strongly preferred (better weight distribution on climbs)
- Battery: At least 50% charge before attempting
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes essential for safe descent
- Gearing: Low gear option below 1:1 ratio for pedaling contribution
The Route
Start Point: Intersection of Hidden Springs Road and Bland Circle
End Point: Hidden Springs Road summit at Rosemont Road
Direction: Northbound climb (return via same route)
The climb begins gently—a deceptive 6-8% grade for the first quarter mile that lulls you into confidence. Then the road bends left and the grade kicks up. This middle section, roughly 0.3 miles, maintains 15-18% with brief pitches touching 20%.
The final push to the summit eases slightly to 10-12%, giving your motor and lungs a chance to recover before you reach Rosemont Road.
What We Test Here
Motor Power Under Load
The steep grade forces motors to work at maximum output for sustained periods. We monitor for power cutouts, thermal throttling, and whether the motor can actually maintain speed on the steepest pitches.
Torque Sensor Response
On 20% grades, you need assist the moment you press the pedals—not a second later. Bikes with laggy torque response leave riders wobbling or stalling on the steepest sections.
Battery Draw Rate
Climbing consumes battery faster than any other riding. We record exact battery percentage consumed during the climb to calculate real-world efficiency.
Heat Management
Motors get hot under sustained load. After three consecutive climbs, we check motor temperature. Some bikes thermal-throttle (reduce power to protect the motor); we document when this happens.
Pro Tips for Riding Hidden Springs
Start in a lower assist level than you think you need. You can always increase mid-climb, but starting in max assist leaves you nowhere to go if you're struggling.
Shift before you need to. Shifting under heavy load stresses your drivetrain. Anticipate grade changes and shift early.
Keep pedaling. Even small pedal inputs help the motor and dramatically extend range. Let the bike do the heavy lifting, but stay engaged.
Safety Notes
The descent is steep. Test your brakes at the top before heading down. Hydraulic disc brakes are essential—rim brakes or cheap mechanical discs can overheat and fade on this grade.
Traffic: Hidden Springs is a residential road with occasional car traffic. Stay right, be visible, and don't assume drivers expect cyclists on this steep section.
Historical Note
Hidden Springs takes its name from the natural springs that once fed this hillside before residential development. Early West Linn residents used these springs for water supply, and remnants of the old spring houses can still be found if you know where to look. The steep terrain that makes this road challenging for cyclists is the same topography that created the springs—water flowing downhill through porous volcanic soil until it hits impermeable bedrock.
Today, the springs are mostly channeled into storm drains, but after heavy rains, you can still see water seeping from the hillside in several spots along the route.