Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2023-01-24, 2023-01-31, 2023-02-07
This hike to the top of Spencer Butte takes the less traveled route from Blanton Road. We’ll cross Blanton Ridge before continuing on from the 52nd and Willamette trailhead. This option provides a good in town workout.. If the weather doesn’t co-operate we can forgo the exposed rocky steps near the top.
To get to the trailhead from 29th & Willamette continue south on Willamette. At Willamette/Donald St Intersection bear right on Willamette. Immediately bear right again on to Crest Drive. Follow signs staying on Crest for approximately 1.2 miles to the Junction with Blanton Road. Turn left on Blanton. The trail head is on your left in about ½ mile. Do not turn left on Southpointe Dr.
Another way to get to the Blanton trailhead is to go south on Chambers until it ends at Crest Drive. Turn left on to Crest. In about ½ mile turn right on Blanton Road.

Salt Creek Falls
2023-01-25
See water falls, lake, deep woods…..The hike is somewhat level ……cliffs in the area…..Can be difficult if there is a lot of snow

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2023-01-25, 2023-02-01, 2023-02-08, 2023-02-15
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 8:15 to 8:30.
Every Wednesday since 2013 we do this hike from the Martin Street Trailhead to the summit of Spencer Butte. Compared to starting at the paved Spencer Butte parking lot, this hike has double the climbing and three times the distance. It is a conditioning hike where everyone is challenging themselves to go at a moderate or fast pace—not like the other hikes on our schedule. If this is your first time on this Obsidian conditioning hike, or hiking to Spencer Butte, you may want to call the leader to discuss the pace. If you should fall too far behind, the leaders reserve the right to have you not summit but wait and return with the group. The regulars on this hike have attained their fitness by showing up consistently and slowly improving. If you have questions, email summertrips@obsidians.org. Come a few minutes early because we leave promptly at the listed time. To get to the trailhead: Take West Amazon to Martin Street. Turn left. Drive past Kinney Park and park Martin Street near the Kiosk sign board across from Canyon Drive Street sign with hiker symbol. Please contact the leader if you have any questions.

Hikes after the fires Potluck - Bill Sullivan
2023-01-27
Author and hiking guru William L. Sullivan takes us on a slide show tour of new and changed trails he discovered while updating his “100 Hikes” guidebooks for Oregon. Sullivan will also talk about what’s changed because of recent wildfires, tell how to get permits for trails with limited access, and describe terrific but overlooked trails.

Mt Pisgah
2023-01-27
We have options to shorten the mileage—depending on the group and rain. I’ll try to have my car in the row(s) below the fee box and gate so that it is easy for us to meet, sign up. etc. . I plan to take back trails (down Trail 4 and up Trail 2) to the summit. Mileage and elevation could vary but around 6 miles to 7 miles at a steady pace.
Estimated time close to 3 hours.

Ridgeline Drainage
2023-01-28
The project will be working on drainage on the Ridgeline from Willamette and 52nd to the Tie Trail.
Meet at the Willamette and 52nd Trailhead parking lot, the gravel lot on Willamette.

Nye Beach to Yaquina Head
2023-01-29
Midweek update – Wed PM, Jan 25: The weather is looking better and better. It will be sunny but chilly, so bring layers. Bikinis not recommended at this time, but it should be a lovely walk on the beach!
We’ll park at the Nye Beach turnaround for a 3.6 mile beach stroll north to Yaquina Head for lunch. Low tide is at 1:14 PM so we’ll have plenty of time to explore the lighthouse, the views, and the tidepools at the Yaquina Head Marine Gardens.
So far, the weather looks good – some clouds, some sun peeking out, no rain. If a storm comes up I may cancel, so CHECK YOUR EMAIL!
Meet on the RIGHT-hand side of the Jerry’s parking lot (that’s your right as you drive into the parking lot from 99)

Carpenter Bypass Explora
2023-01-29
Meet at Amazon Park for a short scenic drive via Lorane Hwy and Teritorial Hwy, to Lorane then hike through the wood. We will hike on well-groomed mountain bike trails and old logging roads.
Miles and elevations are approximate. Distance and elevation record will be updated after the hike.

First Obsidians Blood Drive -January
2023-01-31
NOTE: This is the same event just removed from Obsidians online signup. Due to Obsidians online system limitations (unable to hold signup active throughout the month) I have reposted same “event” and moved names from old signup sheet to this new one.
So, once again…. Happy New Year Friends!
In memory of my Mom I have created the First Obsidians Stewardship Blood Drive.
My mother’s name was Nada (1932-2019) which means Hope in Croatian. I can’t think of a more fitting name to connect Obsidians, Community, Stewardship and my memories. As a blood donor, you’re not just giving blood, you’re sharing life and hope with our communities throughout PNW, from Bellingham, WA to Eugene, OR. Please schedule to donate blood this January.
Step 1. Sign-up here at Obsidians website
Step 2. Schedule blood donation at https://www.bloodworksnw.org/donate
Step 3. When you arrive at BloodWorks NW site to donate blood, please request to donate under the Obsidians code “NADA.” Meetup/Departure Location: Any Bloodworks Northwest Donor Center

InTown Mixed Media Hike
2023-01-31
Meet at Shadow Wood Park by the picnic bench. This park is close to the base of Dillard off of East Amazon.
Hike a figure 8 on a variety of trails, roads and sidewalks from Shadow Wood Park to Hendricks Park and back. We will be on a trail in the Skyliner Park (below Baldy), the Ribbon Trail, and other trails that I don’t know the name of. We will be on gravel and mud trails, roads that are gravel, or don’t have a sidewalk, or have a spacious sidewalk. Wear high vis because a few of the roads have no sidewalk (although they are low traffic). We end the hike on a downhill note. There will be hills early on and in the middle of the hike. This hike should be fine in the rain!

Groundhog Day Hike
2023-02-02
Meet at the Masonic Cemetery at 25th and University near the interpretive signs and gate—not at the Abbey. From there we will walk through the Cemetery to hopefully see the snowdrop flowers and a groundhog, then on city streets to the Ribbon Trail, by the Obsidian Lodge, Hendricks Park and back to our cars. Be prepared for a steady uphill push for the first 30-40 minutes. Bathrooms at Hendricks Park. Update: We will only do the hike once —not do it again as in the movie, Groundhog Day. Depending on time, optional lunch or snack at a place to be decided by the group.
Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions.

Tahkenitch Dunes Backpack
2023-02-03 00:00 - 2023-02-05 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
Ramble around the Tahkenitch Forest Islands on this easy backpack into the heart of the coastal dunes. Depart Eugene Friday, 1.5 hour drive thru Florence to the TH at Tahkenitch campground. Hike approx. 3.5 miles via beach or forest trail depending on weather to protected basecamp in the heart of the dunes near Three Mile lake. Saturday we’ll day hike south following the lake weaving along dunes and forest islands returning via beach walk back to base camp. If we have a clear night, we’ll also take a full moonlit ramble on the beach and search for phosphorescent algae. Depart Sunday.

Prairie View Loop @ Ikenick SP
2023-02-04
This snowshoe came out of my comment several years ago that “Somebody ought to do something about these trails here.” Both of the Ikenick loop trails were unable to be completed because the diamond markers were no longer present. While Prairie View loop has no view of prairie, is flat and on roads a good deal of the way, it goes through some nice meadows (maybe prairie) pretty woods, by several flowing streams, and is not known by most people as a loop. Ikenick is often bypassed for whiter pastures, but opening this loop was worth the falls, dropped gloves, wrong turns, face plants caused by blackberry vines in summer, that sort of stuff. Those doing it will be among the first to have completed the loop in a long time. This is a solid moderate snowshoe that requires one be able to go a bit over 6 miles on a low elevation track.

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2023-02-05
Look for us by my car a row or two down from the fee box. Sunset is 5:28 and full moonrise is 5:26. Current plan is take Trails 7,3, and 1 to the top, Faster hikers usually include a section of Trail 4. Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions. If you don’t have a Lane County pass allow time to purchase one with Debit/Credit card (no cash) at the pay station by trailhead.

Marilyn Lakes
2023-02-07
Nice variety of views, lakes, shelter….B in shape……

Maxwell Snowpark Snowshoe
2023-02-10
The weather for this Friday looks good for a snowshoe trip to Maxwell Snowpark. I plan on making the loop to the South Shelter. A stop at Takoda’s afterwards is a possibility.

Get Acquainted/Ribbon Trail
2023-02-11
Meet at the Obsidian Lodge to start the hike on the Ribbon Trail to Hendricks Park and back. This is an opportunity to find out about the Obsidians, get acquainted with members, and visit our lodge. This hike through the woods has a few short bursts of steep up and down hill. Members are welcome to sign up to help answer questions.
Drive past the Laurelwood Golf Course up 27th St then at the top of the hill turn right onto Spring Blvd, a one lane road. When Spring Blvd ends at a T intersection, turn left and immediately look for the Obsidians sign and driveway on your right. Enter the driveway and follow the gravel road to the parking areas and Lodge. The Lodge is hard to find so if you want to view the map, go to the Obsidian home page. http://obsidians.org/lodgemap.htm

Oregon’s Birthday (early
2023-02-11
Celebrate Oregon’s birthday early by discovering a few of Oregon’s symbols. Oregon became the 33rd state on Feb 14, 1859. Departure place is Doris Ranch by the bathrooms. The 7.8 mile loop hike on paved paths and sidewalks starts at Doris Ranch with stops at Willamette Heights Park, the Oregon Trail Mural and other murals. Optional to shorten your hike when we continue our loop on the Mill Race and Middle Fork Path.

Maxwell Snowpark Snowshoe
2023-02-11
Snowshoe to Maxwell, South Shelter plus additional loop if we feel up to it, potential of 7 miles. Please be in good shape. If you have any questions text me. 949-677-1379.
Drivers: appropriate vehicles or chains just in case – although the weather looks to be clear. Buy snow park pass ahead of time Participation will be based on having enough drivers.
Both drivers are planning on stopping at Takoda’s on the way back.

Rock climbing anchor skills
2023-02-13
This is a session at the Lodge using the upstairs skills board to demonstrate how to create various top rope set-ups using bolted anchors. The class starts at 6:30 PM. Suggested donation is $5 members and $10 non-members.

Gold Lake/Marilyn Lake snowshoe
2023-02-13
We will park at Gold Lake sno-park near the summit on highway 58, carefully cross the highway and snowshoe through timber to the shores of Marilyn Lakes. Continuing north, we’ll reach the Gold Lake shelter near the shore of Gold Lake and take a lunch break. The route back follows Gold Lake Road.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2023-02-14
Update: Dave and I canceling the trip because of weather. This hike to the top of Spencer Butte takes the less traveled route from Blanton Road. We’ll cross Blanton Ridge before continuing on from the 52nd and Willamette trailhead. This option provides a good in town workout.. If the weather doesn’t co-operate we can forgo the exposed rocky steps near the top.
To get to the trailhead from 29th & Willamette continue south on Willamette. At Willamette/Donald St Intersection bear right on Willamette. Immediately bear right again on to Crest Drive. Follow signs staying on Crest for approximately 1.2 miles to the Junction with Blanton Road. Turn left on Blanton. The trail head is on your left in about ½ mile. Do not turn left on Southpointe Dr.
Another way to get to the Blanton trailhead is to go south on Chambers until it ends at Crest Drive. Turn left on to Crest. In about ½ mile turn right on Blanton Road.

GameNight!
2023-02-16
Come join us for an evening of games at the Lodge from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. By signing up, you’ll help us have an idea of about how many to expect, but you’re very welcome to show up any time throughout the evening even if you don’t sign up.

NOAA Research Vessel Tour
2023-02-16
MEET AT THE SPRINGFIELD/Gateway TARGET. We will carpool to South Beach, Newport, and meet as a group at the NOAA security kiosk at 4:00PM We will pass through security and board (via gangplank) the vessel as a group. We can park our cars inside the NOAA facility.
Restrooms at Target, Corvallis Safeway, NOAA facility
Face masks aboard RV required.
Depending on how long the tour lasts,1-1.5 hours, we will be driving back at dusk; ETA Springfield 8:00PM

Hendricks to Moon to Ribbon
2023-02-16
NEW START LOCATION: Obsidian Lodge at 8:30 a.m.
NEW ROUTE: REVERSE THE ORDER! Start on Ribbon Trail to 30th St.
We will head east through Laurel Hill Valley to Moon Mtn. and Coryell Ridge. Then south and west through Black Oak Basin and Bloomberg Park before returning via the Ribbon Trail. The distance is approximate. We can make it a bit shorter if the weather is nasty or a bit longer if we decide to noodle around. A mile or more will be extremely muddy.NEW
