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Past Activity

Pueblo Mountain

  • Start date: 06/02/2018

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 06/03/2018

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

We'll meet at SEHS and carpool to this Eastern Oregon peak that hasn't been visited by the Obsidians since 1985. A turnout on Arizona Creek road will serve as our trail head. We will car camp Saturday night at the Virgin Valley Campground in the Sheldon NWR, hike Sunday morning, and then return to Eugene late Sunday night although this could adjusted based on group preference and the weather forecast.

At 8,632 feet, Pueblo Mountain is the highpoint of a fault-block range sandwiched between Steens Mountain and the Nevada border. This exploratory hike (leader hasn't hiked this route before) is a peak baggers triple threat; it is the 21st most prominent, 22nd most isolated, and 52nd tallest peak in Oregon. This area is home to western juniper, mountain mahogany, quaking aspen, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer. There is no trail so this will be cross country travel thru fairly open country. There will be some moderate scrambling across rocky terrain. Hikers should be very fit and comfortable with cross-country group travel. Milkshakes at the Fields Station will be our rewards for a successful summit.

Vehicles should have decent clearance, 4wd is preferred. Gas stations are far and few between in this area so drivers should plan on refilling their vehicles well before they would in town. Email me at eric160634@gmail.com with any questions. Additional details will be sent to participants about a week before the hike.

  • Event Leader: Eric Thornton

  • Event Leader Phone: 541-206-8571

  • Event Leader Email: eric160634@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

  • Departure Location: South Eugene High School, 19th & Patterson

  • Rating: Difficult

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 780

  • Season: 2018

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Lots of sun protection, trekking poles are highly recommended, footwear with plenty of ankle support. Food for the entire weekend including snacks for the hike. 2 to 3 liters of water for the hike. Water will be available at the campground. Camping gear should be backpacking style since vehicle space may be limited.

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 6

  • Member Fees: 2

  • Elevation Gain: 2600

  • Non-Member Fees: 10

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

Six of us met at the Virgin Valley Campground in the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada Saturday evening. We watched a beautiful sunset before going to bed under a plethora of stars. We woke up early Sunday morning to make the drive back into Oregon and into the Pueblos. There was no trail but navigation was pretty simple: go up and stick close to the ridge. A pack of Coyotes serenaded us from afar for several minutes. Numerous wildflowers were identified and photographed. We were disappointed to find two false summits before we finally bagged the 21st most prominent peak in Oregon. We enjoyed delicious summit treats and incredible views of the West Pueblo Ridge, Tum Tum lake, the Steens and the Alvord Desert. We found an old jeep road that expedited our descent. After the hike we stopped at the Fields Station and we all enjoyed giant milkshakes and burgers. It was a satisfying finish to a great trip into Eastern Oregon.