Just to clarify, the 18% incline lasts only about two blocks in one of the routes. I've mostly given up on this route because the steep sections are beyond my ability on most days and more importantly the route coincides with heavy car traffic.

I had to dress more properly at work today and there was a forecast for thunderstorms so I drove in. But on my way home I looked for an alternative route...I might have found one! The pavement still sucks in many places but the climb can be broken up into smaller chunks by traversing between hilly streets using flatter streets that run perpendicular to the hill's fall line. I can't wait to try this route on bike

MattFoley, I'm in Spokane and my commute involves South Hill.