The Obsidians

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2023-06-28, 2023-07-12
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 7:45 to 8:00.
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.

Macduff Mountain
2023-06-28
This year will be the 92nd anniversary of the placing of a brass plaque on Macduff Mt to honor Nelson Macduff, a former forest service supervisor and Obsidian member. I’ll be hiking to the summit from road 411, a steep rough road not suitable for low clearance vehicles. The trail is a well engineered route up a steep ridge through a well shaded forest with some great wildflowers and rhododendrons. From the summit we’ll hopefully have a clear view of the Cascades and the McKenzie River Valley. Some of our group may stop at Takoda’s after the hike.

Mount St Helens area
2023-06-28 00:00 - 2023-06-30 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
This is a 3 day trip to explore the Mt. St. Helens area. Overnight accommodations are at Cozy Castle Rock Cabin (Airbnb) in Castle Rock, WA. The first day, we will visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory which is 55 miles from Castle Rock. After that visit, we can enjoy the 2.4 mile Hummocks Trail Loop and drive to our house. The next day, we will drive to the trailhead for Coldwater Peak near Johnston Ridge. This is a difficult 13 mile round hike with 2400 feet elevation gain. Participants should be in adequate shape for this hike. Once the group is formed, details will be discussed regarding the last day’s activities, meals, carpool plans, etc.
Costs for lodging will be $155 per person. Registration will open on Friday, April 28, 7am. Members only; no refund unless someone takes your place. Due to limited accommodations, this trip is limited to 6 persons only. Within 5 days of signing up, mail a check payable to Obsidians to Jean Harrris, 78116 Mosby Creek Road, Cottage Grove, OR 97424.

Castle Rock via King Castle
2023-06-29
This well-graded trail passes through a pleasant forest of Douglas fir and mountain hemlock on the way to the summit of Castle Rock, and we should see some interesting wildflowers along the way. We will have lunch at a spot along the ridge that, weather permitting, has nice views of the McKenzie Valley, the Old Cascades, Mt. Washington and the Three Sisters. After lunch, those who are interested can continue a short distance to the site of the old lookout—now a cell phone relay installation. We will proceed at a steady pace and pause at trail intersections to keep the group together. Notes: Mountain bikers may be sharing the trail. There are no restrooms at the trailhead. If poor weather is forecast, I may substitute a hike at Mt. Pisgah. A stop at Takoda’s Restaurant after the hike is an option.

Middle Sister
2023-07-01
Our Middle Sister climb will either be from Pole Cr TH or Obsidian TH depending on whether we can get an overnight permit or not. If we can only get a day permit, we will climb it in one day.

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2023-07-01
Look for us by my car a row or two down from the fee box. Sunset is 8:59 pm and moonrise is 7:52 pm. Current plan is to take Trails 7,3 and 1. Faster hikers usually include a section of Trail 4. Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions. We probably will be hiking down after the moonrise. (Full Moon is July 3) If you don’t have a Lane County pass , please, please allow time to purchase one with Debit/Credit card (no cash) at the pay station by trailhead.

Marion Mountain
2023-07-01
This is a great hike in the Jefferson Wilderness area that includes a short detour and scramble to the very pretty Marion Falls. We’ll hike past Lake Ann and then along Marion Lake before heading up to Marion Mt for some beautiful views of Mt Jefferson. This area has been subject to fires as recently as 2015 so we’ll have plenty of sun exposure. A stop at Marion Lake on the return for a swim is a possibility so take some water shoes. As this is a wilderness area there will be a small fee to cover my cost of the permit. A stop at Takoda’s restaurant after the hike will be an option so choose your driver accordingly.

Mt Jefferson
2023-07-01 00:00 - 2023-07-03 23:59
This climb was postponed due to weather and rescheduled to 7/1-7/3. We will climb the West Rib route with a high camp at about 6800ft. High camp will likely be on snow. Jefferson is probably the toughest mountain in Oregon with significant hazards to individuals and the team. All potential team members will need prior approval from the trip leader.
Meetup/Departure Location: Thurston Albertsons

Patterson Mountain
2023-07-02
Patterson. Mt, noted for wildflowers and the Lone Wolf Shelter. If the sky is clear you can see the Sisters from the top. The trip takes us up Hwy 58. We turn off on a logging road for about 8 miles. The last time I drove this road it was in good shape.

Youngs Rock and Moon Point
2023-07-02
This is a hike south of Hills Creek Lake.
We’ll hike Youngs Rock Trail #3685 to Youngs Rock and #3688 to Moon Point. After lunch we’ll hike back same way.
Wildflowers and fantastic view of Diamond Peak.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2023-07-04, 2023-07-11
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.

Obsidians Butte to Butte
2023-07-04
>>> Scroll all down to see complete description!
Meet: 8AM at the corner of Ferry St and East 43rd Ave, Eug. (Across from Spencer Butte Middle School)
The course for the 4 mile Mayor’s Fitness Walk starts at Spencer Butte Middle School at 500 E 43rd Ave, heading east and follows the flat portion of the Aquafina OTC Butte to Butte course to finish on 5th between High and Pearl. Walk will start at 8:30AM.
Please be no later than 8:15AM at the corner of Ferry Street and East 43rd Avenue, so we have time for signup sheet. You will need to sign standard Obsidians waiver.
This event is a great opportunity for Obsidians publicity so please wear your Obsidians shirt or cap.
Aquafina Butte to Butte $30 per (adult) registration is needed per adult. Please register / pay ASAP at https://buttetobutte.com/register
When registering, please select “register as a group” and continue registration to the end when you have option to select “Obsidians team affiliation” from the drop down menu of options.
Contact leader at darchey@comcast.net with questions.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2023-07-05
NOTE: BECAUSE OF THE HEAT, I CHANGED THE START TIME TO 7:30.
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.

Tunnel Falls
2023-07-05
This is a very popular hike in the Columbia Gorge near Cascade Locks. The trail follows Eagle Creek in a moderate but steady incline past 9 waterfalls before reaching the beautiful Tunnel Falls For those brave enough there are two more waterfalls a short distance beyond Tunnel Falls. The trail can be rugged and wet at times plus the exposure to heights means it’s not for everyone however the most exposed parts of the trail have reassuring cables to hold on to. After the hike we’ll stop somewhere for dinner before driving home. This is an all day trip so don’t plan on getting home before dark.
MEETING PLACE–Springfield Fred Meyer, north of the fuel station. Note that 6:30am is the DEPARTURE TIME!

Evening hike: Pre's Trail
2023-07-05
6:30 pm: Meet in the parking lot near the duck pond and frisbee golf course, this is the lot on the left right after you cross the bridge coming into Alton Baker Park.
The trail surface is a mix of hard pack and dirt. You must bring water with you.
If you have any questions, please give me a call.

Cone Peak-Iron Mountain
2023-07-05
This beautiful (and popular) hike connects two peaks above Tombstone Pass, Cone Peak and Iron Mountain, which hosts sprawling, colorful wildflower meadows.

Cascade Head
2023-07-07
A spectacular trail up through old growth forests, several stream crossings on well-constructed bridges, emerging from the trees at the halfway point to wide open views up & down the coast the rest of the way. I did this trail last July & again May 1 this year – observed 4 elk the first time & a herd of 50 or so last month. With all the beautiful photos we will have taken, we can gloat over coffee in Lincoln City or Dallas on the way back. This hike is worth the extra miles of travel.

Koosah-Sahalie to Tamolitch
2023-07-07
We will carpool to the parking area at Koosah Falls. We will first hike east to above Sahalie Falls and then cross the river to head west on the other side. We will hike past Carmen Smith reservoir, through beautiful old growth and have lunch at Blue Pool. This hike is full of photo opportunities. The elevation changes are not bad but it is a long day with the miles.
There are parts of the trail that are narrow with a drop off (not a cliff). If you are unsteady then bring your poles.

Spencer Butte
2023-07-07
Meet at the (Main)Spencer Butte parking lot — the paved one with the steps. No—it is not a New Years Day Hike. It is to celebrate the improved trail to the summit. It is amazing! Late May a trail crew started working down from the summit steps hauling gravel and peeler logs, removing rocks, bracing up the trail sides. Photos will be featured in the July Bulletin. Optional: If a few of you want to leave your car at the 52nd trailhead so that you can have a longer hike, I could transport you on my way up to Spencer Butte Trailhead. My email:l jbjacobsen@comcast.net If you don’t want to do the steps- that is OK. Meetup/Departure Location: Spencer Butte Main lot (paved)

Get Acquainted/Ribbon Trail
2023-07-08
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. We will be done around noon. 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

Canyon Creek Meadows
2023-07-08
This hike was previously listed as Horsepasture Mt and is more of a drive but it has a great display of wildflowers and spectacular views. The last 6 miles of the road is a fairly rough drive so a high clearance vehicle is recommended. The last 1/2 mile of the hike to the viewpoint is a very steep scramble so I’m rating this hike as difficult. A stop at Jack Lake for a swim is on the schedule as well as a stop at Takoda’s.
NOTE! This hike requires a $1 per person fee to cover the cost of the permit.

Mt Thielsen
2023-07-08
We will be climbing the standard route on Mt. Thielsen. The route begins as a use trail up the scree and talus of the lower mountain, later becoming a class 3 scramble as the ridge steepens. The final climb up the summit pinnacle is a class 4, easy 5th class scramble on the only solid piece of rock on the mountain. We will have a fixed line rope for ascending and will descend on a rappel on the steep part. We will plan on doing the climb in 1 day from Eugene. However, those who wish to camp can meet us at the trail head in the early AM.

Browder Ridge
2023-07-10
This trail is one of my favorites. There are excellent views of the peaks from several spots along the route and usually many fine wildflowers. In the first 1.4 miles, the trail switchbacks up through the forest for over half of the total elevation gain, then arrives at a viewpoint for a well-earned break. The trail then traverses 1.7 miles up through meadows of bracken and wildflowers to a junction with the summit trail. If this section is passable, we will proceed about 1 mile, ascend a forested ridge, traverse the top of a steep meadow, and pick our way up a rocky ridge to a broad, grassy summit for a lunch-with-a-view. The trail is narrow and rocky in places, and there may be some blowdown to maneuver around, so poles may be helpful. Our pace will be steady, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wildflowers and views. I may reschedule in case of poor trail conditions or weather.

GameNight!
2023-07-11
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.

Paradise Park
2023-07-12
With great views and bountiful wildflowers this is one of my favorite hikes on Mt Hood. Our destination of Paradise Park is at the same elevation as our trailhead at Timberline Lodge. Unfortunately we’ll have to descend into Zigzag Canyon to get there giving this hike a generous share of elevation change along with a challenging stream crossing. After the hike we’ll be stopping for dinner so don’t plan on getting home before dark.
Our departure place is the Springfield Fred Meyer parking lot just north of the fuel station.
Note that 6:30am is the departure time. SHOW UP EARLY!

Millican Crater Explora
2023-07-15
Meet at WinCo Foods parking lot, 2815 Chad Dr., Eugene . From there we’ll carpool via Hwy 126, 242 and further.
We’ll explore Millican Crater, a high pile of dark pyroclastic scoria.
From the trailhead we’ll hike trail #4066 and then scramble up to the top of Millican Crater for excellent 360° view, then back on the #4066 to complete lollipop loop.
➳ NOTE: Please see Black Crater Hike, June 16, for potential two-day outing in the same area. Meetup/Departure Location: WinCo Foods parking lot, 2815 Chad Dr., Eugene

Martin Lake
2023-07-15
This is a loop hike that is shown in Sullivan’s 2020 Central Cascades book under Three Fingered Jack. It heads north from the Santiam Pass PCT trailhead before leaving the maintained trail to hike past Martin lake then joining the Old Summit trail 4014 to hike south past Booth lake then Square Lake where it then heads back west to our parking area. Almost all of this hike is within the 2003 B & B Fire so you’ll get lots of sun but also great views. I’ve rated this hike difficult as the 1 mile off trail section is a very steep scramble through a forest. If the day’s hot enough we’ll have a refreshing swim at Square lake. I suspect that some of our group will stop at Takoda’s in Rainbow after the hike.

Amazon Headwaters/ Mt. Baldy
2023-07-15
Hike mostly in the shade up to Fox Hollow to Dillard West Trailhead to see the Metzler plaque and then take the connecting trail to Dillard East Trailhead and up to Baldy. There are options if you need a longer or shorter hike. Pace is almost moderate.
