Trip Report

Eight Obsidians met Sunday morning at South Eugene High School, where we engaged in some good-natured trash talk with the other Obsidian hike departing from that point. (Clearly they all wished they were on OUR hike instead!) Fortunately we had planned a stop at Greenwaters in Oakridge, where we noticed one driver's car engine smoking away, showing that planning a pit stop can have more benefits than the obvious intended one. We were able to shuffle cars and get everyone to the trailhead. It's an easy drive and easy parking, even for non-4WD vehicles.

Trail was well maintained with beautiful views of Waldo Lake through the trees, and just enough uphill for us to feel like we had earned our lunch. Huckleberries were pretty well picked over on the main trail, but abundant at the lake, and we counted four different varieties that were ripe. It was a perfect late summer/early fall day, with only a smudge of smoke in the distance from the wildfires and not enough mosquitos for me to unpack my Picaridin. The main trail was busy, but the path leading to Bingo Lake was empty and we had the lake to ourselves.

Thanks to expert guidance by Assistant Leader Mike Smith, we made it to Bingo Lake with plenty of time for lolling on the lakeshore, exploring the area, frog watching and picking our fill of huckleberries. This was a lovely, enjoyable and delicious hike with a great group of hikers, who not only helped me out with all the logistics of being a first-time leader, but filled me in on the latest gossip about Harry, Megan and Archie.