Overview
I haven't figured this section out, for year I'd swear it was uphill in both directions. Having run it six years now I'm ready to say that it is slightly more downhill on the way out.

Heading out of the FS 58 Aid Station you cross a gravel road after about 3/4 mile. Beyond that, the course heads into heavy trees. You pass an area which was clear cut a few years ago and start climbing. The trail moves up along a ridge line. Much of the running is up and down when you are on the ridge. You get a great view of Mt. Hood at this point. After reaching the highpoint of the ridge you start heading down to Wapinitia pass and the aid station.

Coming back in, about the only surprise is how much uphill there is. This section is pretty heavily shaded so it is generally a little cooler than the last section. When you hit the gravel you've got about 3/4 mile to the aid station at the next gravel road.

Note: There are a couple of gravel road crossings in this section. Make sure you don't head down any of these gravel roads. Look to rejoin the PCT on the other side of the road.

After much calculation, I have decided that the section of trail shown in the photo above is the steepest section of the whole course - and it is not that steep! Sadly, the whole thing is really quite runnable. I keep on telling myself that next year I'm going to be in better shape and not walk any of it. I've run this course every year and next year hasn't come yet.

It is not obvious in this picture, but from this point in the course, you can just make out the 50 mile turnaround at Timberline lodge. Running the course, it is kind of hard to believe that it is only 13 miles away.