Point Six at 7,895ft
Terrain Distance (approx): 29.2 miles (rt)
Climbing Distance: 5,274 feet
Highest Altitude: 7,895 feet
Trip Time: 4.5 hours
This ride was great. I found out from my friend Paul that there was an access road up Butler Creek Road. This road can be found in this way. Travel to the airport. After you pass the entrance look for a road to the left which leads to Butler Creek Road. Its a main road and you cant miss it. I parked at the pull out to the left after going under Interstate 90. You can I think park up the gravel road just in front of the closed forest service gate with all the no trespassing signs on the trees. This would cut off 4.2 miles of climb though and I would recommend going from my starting point just because the ride to the car after the top is awesome.
I passed through two gates and after the second the climbing got a little steeper. The climb took me past a couple buildings that belonged to the Snow Bowl Ski Area. there are signs at this point which state the distance to the TV Towers and Point Six which is 8 miles from this point. don"t fret, the climb gets very scenic.
I continued on the best worn road until I reached a fork. This fork is where the right will go up to the TV Towers which I did accidently. Oh well, I can say I did that climb too. I would recommend doing Point Six though as the road seems to get less steep and it will be well worth it.
Continue and stay to the best worn road. Pass the extreme right to the ski area. There is a good rest spot just before the climb up to the saddle between Point Six and the Ski Area. It is at the bottom of the back chair lifts. I sat on the chair and had a chocolate snack and refilled my bottles from my pack.
From there the climb is great and opens up more as you reach the summit of Point Six. It is a great winding road and when coming around the final bend snow is available for cooling down.
Once atop I suggest sitting on top of a rock that is next to the big Karen to the left as you submit. The rock sticks out over the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area.
I give this ride five stars. It has great views, awesome climb, great ride up, its over 5,000 feet of climbing, and awesome decent.