The grade
Westbound, the 6 percent downgrade begins at milepost 227 and continues through milepost 217. In ODOT's words, you lose about 2,000 feet of elevation in six miles and twist through a double hairpin turn. There is a brake check area at the weigh station at milepost 227 and runaway truck ramps at mileposts 221 and 220.
The weather
ODOT says the hill has some of the most changeable and severe weather conditions in the Northwest. Fog, snow and black ice are common between October and April. Oregon law requires you to carry and use tire chains when conditions warrant or signs are posted, and the eastbound chain-up area is at milepost 217, at the bottom of the hill.
The crashes
On average 78 percent of the crashes on Cabbage Hill involve out-of-state motor carriers, and brake problems contribute to 59 percent of them, by ODOT's count. Posted speeds on the descent are maximums for good weather.
Are chains required on Cabbage Hill?
When ODOT posts them. The eastbound chain-up area is at milepost 217. The Cabbage Hill cameras at mileposts 220 to 223 show the road surface on the grade.
How steep is Cabbage Hill?
The signed downgrade is 6 percent, from milepost 227 down to milepost 217, with a double hairpin. ODOT puts the drop at about 2,000 feet in six miles. Runaway truck ramps sit at mileposts 221 and 220.
Where is Cabbage Hill?
On I-84 east of Pendleton, Oregon, between the Mission interchange and Meacham, 35 miles west of La Grande. Track your exact mile marker on the hill with the MileCheck app on CarPlay or Android Auto.