Parallel Passages stretches across The North Walls of The Chief in Squamish, offering a committed seven-pitch journey that blends technical crack climbing with solid moderate terrain. This 1000-foot trad route demands both endurance and finesse, winding through a variety of crack systems carved into iconic granite. From the moment you leave the bolt-protected belay on pitch one, the rock compels attention—whether you choose the steeper direct line climbing 5.10c or the slightly longer but steadier 5.9 variation leftward. As you climb higher, you feel the mountain’s pulse in the tight off-widths and chimney sections that require persistent hand jams and precise footwork, with protection placements that reward well-prepared rack setups.

The second pitch invites you through a 5.6 off-width, where solid gear placements provide security as you navigate the sustained movement up and right. Arriving at the base of a striking left-facing flake crack, you encounter one of the crux pitches—Pitch 3—where the flake demands confident laybacking and a strategic balance of power and technique. For those considering aid, the bolts provide reliable hooks, although free climbers face a 5.12a challenge here, reserved for seasoned crack specialists.

Continuing upward, Pitches 4 and 5 maintain the route’s rhythm with off-widths and crack systems that merge manageable but compelling climbing. The rock breathes through the well-placed bolts, and the natural features encourage extended stretches of hand jams mixed with delicate foot placements. The approach to Pitch 6 is marked by a unique cave section, where you push into a finger crack and then swing hard right past a rappel station to belay beneath a prominent off-width chimney, a highlight that tests your comfort in awkward stemming movements.

The final pitch, Pitch 7, revolves around a technical 5.10a move into a corner leading to the route’s summit, rewarding climbers with sweeping views from the top of The Chief’s third summit. This last section balances hardness and exposure, finishing the journey on a confident note. Descending is straightforward via a walk-off trail descending to the parking lot, allowing climbers to relax after their upward push.

Gear selection is critical on Parallel Passages. A full rack from small nuts and micro cams up to at least a #4 Camalot is essential. The route’s longest pitches fit well with a 60-meter rope, but two ropes are recommended if you anticipate retreating, as some rappel stations require double-rope setups. The fixed stations simplify belays, yet climbers must remain vigilant with placements in off-widths and chimneys where the rock's texture can be slick in wet conditions.

Squamish’s coastal climate means the best climbing windows are late spring through early fall, avoiding heavy rains that can dampen the granite and impact friction. Early mornings provide crisp, cool air with sun warming the stone as the day unfolds, perfect for tackling the route’s sustained demands. The North Walls sit prominently within a protected wilderness, where views of the Howe Sound fjord remind climbers why this area remains a bucket-list destination for trad enthusiasts.

Parallel Passages strikes a fine balance between adventure and accessibility. It offers enough variety to challenge even strong trad leaders while remaining approachable for climbers looking to push their limits beyond single-pitch climbs. Preparation, steady pacing, and respect for the mountain’s shifting personality make this route an unforgettable rite of passage on The Chief.