The Obsidians

Get Acquainted/Ribbon Trail
2022-11-12
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

Veterans Day Hike
2022-11-11
We will continue the tradition of a Veterans Day hike started by the late Dave “The Griz” Lodeesen (1952-2021), who served in a helicopter squadron in Vietnam in 1971 and frequently wore a hat saying “Practice Peace.” He founded the hike in 2016 and led it for four years.
This walk will go by two memorials by Skinner Butte and along the Willamette up to Valley River and either across and back east the other side or straight back.
Everybody is welcome, and I hope to see many veterans. Nobody should feel at all out of place.
Wear what you wish, and if you have a Griz story, that would be welcome. We will be done by 1130, maybe earlier.
We will have this regardless of the weather, although the Griz once told me in writing that Wind+Rain=Misery.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-11-09, 2022-11-02
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.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2022-11-08, 2022-11-01, 2022-10-25, 2022-10-18
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.

McKenzie River Trust Stewardship
2022-11-06
Obsidians volunteer day at Green Island with McKenzie River Trust.
We’ll work 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM on blackberry removal on the 2.5-acre plot, recently adopted by Obsidians. Green Island is located at the confluence of the McKenzie and the Willamette Rivers. McKenzie River Trust with generous support of dozen local organization and hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers researching, restoring, and protecting over 1100 acres of riverbanks, forest, islands, channels, sloughs, and grassland

Ridgeline Trail w/shuttle
2022-11-05
Update as of Nov 1:We will use a car shuttle to facilitate the Ridgeline Trail hike from Blanton to Spring trailhead. A great way to hike the entire Ridgeline trail. A moderate pace with up and downs. If there are hikers who want to do an out and back doubling the distance, we can facilitate that especially since it will help with the shuttle. I decided to meet at Martin St. giving us more options depending on weather, # of participants, and an easy way to get back to our cars from Spring that would add another mile. My email is jbjacobsen@comcast.net

Patjens Lakes
2022-11-05
We. haven’t done this hike since the 2018 attempt, when we had to turn back because trees were falling down all around us. Since then, there’s been extensive trail maintenance done (Thank-you Scorpions!) and it is once again safe to hike.
We’ll take the loop counter clockwise, through the recovering 2011 burn and past wonderful views of the Cascade peaks and the four Patjens Lakes, closing the loop at Big Lake and more mountain views. Weather in November can be iffy, so I MIGHT need to cancel if the weather is too windy/cold/snowy/wet/etc., but this is actually a great hike for late fall because there’s very little shade in the burn areas, and it can get hot and dusty in the summer. And it won’t matter that we’re too late for the fall foliage, since most of the trees are burned anyway.
The drive is suitable for all vehicle types. Some will probably want to stop at Takodas on the way back, so be sure to check in with your driver about their plans.

Row River Trail Fall Walk
2022-11-01
The Row River Trail is a paved rail to trail path that is wonderful for walks, biking and the occasional equestrian. We will park at the Mosby Creek Trailhead and walk to Dorena Dam. The fall leaves will be swirling, two covered bridges are visible and we’ll cross two railroad bridges. From the top of Dorena Dam the views can be spectacular. Waterfowl abounds and other wildlife may be spotted. This is near my house and I enjoy it frequently.
Cottage Grove has an assortment of restaurants if any choose to dine after this walk.

Hendricks Color Walk
2022-10-30
This will be a leisurely hike intown to enjoy the changing season. We’ll walk through the Native Plant garden and the Rhodie garden. For those looking for more mileage, the forest paths will accomodate. Meetup/Departure Location: Wilkens Shelter at Hendricks Park

Mt. Pisgah Mushroom & Festival
2022-10-30
Update: Is probably too late to get a ticket but you can still do the hike. Park at the North Trailhead at 7:45. It should not be a traffic jam since the Festival starts at 10:00. We will hike on the back trails reaching the summit around 10:00 where you have options to continue hiking or return to the North Trailhead or hike down to Festival. (easy to take the Coast Fork trail back to your car.) Pre-sale tickets required. For more information, mountpisgaharboretum.org/festivals-events/mushroom-festival/
Mileage is an estimate depending on weather and the options. You will need a Lane County Parking pass/ There is no fee box at this parking lot. Email at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if questions

Mt June Halloween Costume Hike
2022-10-29
This is a Halloween Costume hike. It was going to be to Mount Yoran, but the conditions on that mountain were not safe with snow and ice at the top. We will have our Halloween costume party on the summit of Mt June.

Mt Yoran Halloween Costume Climb
2022-10-29
This will be the second annual Obsidian Mount Yoran costume climb. Even if we can’t get to the summit of Mount Yoran, we will have our costume contest on the nearby Mount Myran.

Cage Removal
2022-10-29
For this month’s outing our work involves removing tree cages from plantings, cleaning out as well as improving some trailside ditches, blowing off the trail, and possibly a bit of blackberry lopping and invasive grass pulling around the plantings.
Meet at the Willamette and 52nd Trailhead parking lot, the gravel lot on Willamette Street.

Cemetery Saunter
2022-10-28
Meet at Tugman Park, south Eugene, on Hilyard Street, between 37th and 38th.
We will saunter from Tugman Park making our way gradually uphill through the neighborhoods to 46th St and Brae Burn Drive. After several very steep uphill blocks, we will then hike up a short but steep dirt trail through the woods to the back side of the cemetery on Willamette St. We will skirt the cemetery via a dirt path. We will then have several short bursts of very steep up and down hill while we make our way through pedestrian connector pathways through more neighborhoods to get to the cemetery on Crest Dr. Then we will saunter down through the woods on a packed gravel and paved path behind the cemetery and eventually make our way back to Tugman Park through yet another neighborhood. Most of this saunter will be on pavement but keep in mind if it is wet, the steep parts may be slippery and the dirt paths will be muddy. If that is the case, hiking poles are a good idea. The restrooms at Tugman Park are now closed but there is one at Safeway on 40th.

October Potluck, Buzz Blumm
2022-10-28
Buzz has travelled & hiked extensively throughout the southwest the last six years. The presentation will be a slide show and discussion of many of his explorations.

Berley Lakes
2022-10-27
Two lovely lakes with great views and reflections of 3 Fingered Jack, some fall colors around the lakes this time of year. We will start at the Santiam Pass and hike 1.2 miles north on the PCT, then pick up the Santiam Lks trail for several miles. There is a user trail off the Santiam lks trail that goes to both lakes.

Pioneer Cemetery Walk
2022-10-27
Meet at E 18th & Potter before start time. WALKING TOUR of Eugene Pioneer Cemetery: HALLOWEEN WALK ON THE DARKSIDE, Historian Randy Gudeika tells New true tales of death, life and inspiration. Walk scheduled to end at 2:45 PM. For more info: passion4histry@gmail.com
NOTE: since we will be often standing still at a grave, and there may be a breeze, bring extra layers for warmth.
Also, not at all a requirement: if you are so moved an able, a suggested donation of $5 to Randy’s project of digging into many historical records to make a contribution to our community would be a lovely gestrure.

GAME NIGHT!
2022-10-27
Join us for our inaugural game night at the Lodge from 4:30PM – 7:30 PM. We’re hoping this time frame will accommodate both retired and non-retired folks who can show up after work. Please sign up, so we can 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.
NOTE: There is no trash service at the lodge, so please try to minimize waste so we/I won’t have too much trash to take home. 😉
Now let’s have some fun!

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-10-26
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 8:15 and 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.

S.Fork Alsea River Explora
2022-10-22
Easy and short drive. We will hike along South Fork Alsea River to Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls, and then South Fork Mile trail up to Big Fear trail.
On the way back some of us will stop in Monroe for refreshment.
? For parking we’ll need BLM or Senior Pass

Upper Alpine Trail
2022-10-22
Last segment of Alpine Trail finishing near Alpine ridge.
Trail is located NE from Oakridge. We will start at Kate’s Cut In and hike east segment to the end. Then, after the lunch same way back.
!!!!! Hike is cancelled due to the bad air quality and the proximity of the Cedar Creek Fire from the end point of Alpine Trail hike (less than 10 miles).

Koosah Falls / Clear Lake
2022-10-22
We’ll park at Koosah Falls and head south to Carmen Reservoir, cross the McKenzie river, and pass Koosah and Sahalie on their north sides. Then we’ll cross back over the river and take the trail to Clear Lake. The bridge at the north end of Clear Lake is out, so instead of circling the lake, we’ll hike the east* side only as an out-and-back, then return past Sahalie and Koosah on their south sides and back to our cars.
* East side is the side with the lava, not the side with the resort. It’s the best side anyway.
Last year it poured rain on us when we did this hike at the end of October, and we had a great time! So come prepared for the weather, and remember – there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.
Some of us may stop at Takodas on the way home, so be sure to discuss this ahead of time with your driver.

Castle Rock via King Castle TH
2022-10-20
This well-graded trail near McKenzie Bridge passes through a pleasant forest of Douglas fir and mountain hemlock on the way to the summit of Castle Rock. 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.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-10-19
10/19 NOTE: !!!!!******. AIR QUALITY 159 AT 5 AM. I SUGGEST YOU WEAR AN N95. CHECK AIR QUALITY AT 7 AM AND YOU DECIDE IF YOU WANT TO HIKE. I WILL BE THERE AS PLANNED.
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.

Divide Lake "Love A Lake"
2022-10-18
This trip was first scheduled for Sept 13 by Lyndell Wilken then for Oct. 4 by Emily Rice, but both were cancelled due to the Clark Creek wildlifire. It is planned now for October 18! We will hike for @ 4 miles to Divide Lake in the Diamond Peak wilderness to enjoy views of Mount Yoran and fall colors. At Divide Lake area we will take apart fire rings. Our hike rate will be 2-3 mph. Please bring good gloves for moving some large rocks!

Fuji Mountain
2022-10-18
We will follow the Fuji Mt. trail which begins off of the Waldo Lake Rd. We hike 3 miles to Birthday Lake for a water and snack break. From Birthday Lake we climb another 3 miles to the summit of Fuji Mt. for lunch and views of the surrounding Cascades and Waldo Lake. If weather or visibility is marginal we will forego the summit and will make an 11 mile loop instead following the South Waldo Trail. Features will include Upper Island Lake and several tree carvings before heading back on the Mt Ray and Gold Lake trails back to the car. This is a moderately paced hike of 2-3mph.
