The Obsidians

Mt. Pisgah Spring Equinox
2023-03-20
** Meet by the bathrooms by the Pavilion. ** We may decide to have two groups. Celebrate the spring equinox, the first day of spring at 2:24pm while taking a walk on the arboretum trails. In years past we have seen fawn lilies and camus. Optional to take Trail 35 up to the main trail and perhaps take Trail 3 for a longer loop around Swing Hill. “The vernal equinox marks the turning point when daylight begins to overtake the darkness and the North Pole begins to lean toward the sun again. This is the time of year when we begin to experience more life force creative energy within our minds and bodies.”

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2023-03-21
We will start on time at 6:45am. 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.
There are 2 ways to get to the trailhead:
1. 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.
2. 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.

New Moon Spencer Butte
2023-03-21
Spence Butte sunset at 7:26PM. Nice weather and great views. New Moon rises at 7:31 AM, but will not be visible.
We will be down at 52nd parking lot by 8:30PM.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2023-03-22
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.

Wild Iris Ridge Drainage
2023-03-25
For this month’s outing we’ll be in a park we haven’t been to in a while, Wild Iris Ridge, clearing drainage.
Meet at the Wild Iris Ridge Trailhead parking lot, the gravel lot on Bailey Hill Road. Work party goes from 9-12 am.

Amanda Trail to Perpetua
2023-03-25
We will carpool to Yachats and walk the Amanda Trail to the shelter at Cape Perpetua and back. It is a 7 mile hike, with just over 1,000 feet of climbing in total. The weather may be rainy, so definitely bring along your rain gear! The entire route is well marked with “Oregon Coast” trail signs. We follow 101 briefly, with the ocean on the right, then cross 101 at Windy Way. We leave the highway and are in the forest for the hike up, with intermittent views of the ocean through the trees, then head through an open conservation easement and down to the Amanda statue and storyboard. There’s then a bridge/stream crossing and fairly steep uphill for approximately 1 mile. Closer to the top there is another stream crossing (without a bridge), and the trail to the stone shelter subsequently intersects with the more heavily traveled loop at the top of Cape Perpetua. Great views! We’ll head down the way we came up; those who wish to may join in a meal in Yachats before heading back to Eugene.

Pisgah Long Route w/Options
2023-03-26
Meeting place: Mt. Pisgah, West (main) Trailhead, by the bathrooms. If you don’t have a Lane County pass, be sure to allow time to purchase one with a Debit/Credit card (no cash) at the fee box by the upper trailhead.
We should see lots of spring flowers on this hike! We will follow the Incense Cedar Trail and Trails 5, 56 and 6 to the summit, where we will gather for water and a snack. (At this point, those who prefer a shorter hike can return from the summit directly via main Trail 1, a total of about 5 miles and 2-2.5 hours.) To complete the long route, we will descend on Trail 2, then follow Trails 4 and 3 around Swing Hill to the North Trailhead, and finally return to the West Trailhead along the river trail. It will probably take about 4 hours to hike the 9.4 miles. We can adjust the route if the weather is poor.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2023-03-28, 2023-04-04
We will start on time at 6:45am. 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.
There are two ways to get to the trailhead:
1. 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.
2. 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.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2023-03-29
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 8:15 to 8:30. NOTE: TIME CHANGE NEXT WEEK. 8AM
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.

Silver Falls Trail of 10 Falls
2023-03-30
Meeting location: Best Buy Springfield parking lot to the far left (SE) corner as you enter. Silver Falls Trail of 10 Falls
The water flow on this wonderful hike should be powerful this time of the year. The canyon is lush with greenery year round. We might see the earliest of spring flowers emerging.
The hike will start at the North Falls parking lot. There will be a lunch break at the South Falls Lodge (about 5 miles in) where there is usually a fire going if we need warmth, and food/beverages can be purchased. After lunch we will hike one mile on the Rim Trail, then drop back into the canyon on the Winter Falls trail and enjoy a number of the waterfalls a 2nd time viewing them from the opposite direction as we return upstream to our start point.
Option: When we arrive at the South Falls Lodge, folks have the option of relaxing there and waiting to be picked-up after the rest of the group completes the loop.

Summer Camp Rally
2023-03-31
Camp Hawkins is in the Sawtooth Range near Stanley, Idaho, August 6-12. If you are interested in this adventure, be sure to attend. We will discuss the registration process, camp logistics, and show slides of the primitive campground, the area, and orecreational opportunities.
Social time 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM; Potluck begins promptly at 6:30 PM; Presentation begins 7:30 PM. (Signing up online for the potluck is optional. You’re welcome to attend without signing up.)

Edgewood Nature Trail
2023-03-31
Edgewood Trail

Crater Lake SS/XC
2023-04-02 00:00 - 2023-04-04 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
We will be staying in 2 houses at Union Creek “Resort”. Rooms will be shared; 8 persons in each “deluxe” vacation home. Members may sign-up starting Monday, Feb 13, 7am; non-members- Feb 15. Within 5 days of signing up, mail a check payable to the Obsidians to Lana Lindstrom, PO Box 5506, Eugene, OR 97405. Cancellations: no refund unless someone takes your place. Several of the beds are “kings”; if you’re willing to share a king with the same gender friend, please let me know. Weather dependent, on the way to our lodging, we will xc ski or snowshoe in the Willamette Pass area. On April 3, we’ll drive up to Crater Lake and hopefully have stunning views of the lake while skiing or snowshoeing. On the last day, we may hike along the Rogue River near Prospect or do another snow activity. Breakfasts and lunches on your own (coffee provided). The 2 dinners will be potluck. The cost is $115 for members. A pre-trip meeting will be organized in late March.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2023-04-05
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 7:45 to 8:00. ===NOTE : NEW TIME===
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.

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2023-04-05
Look for us by my car a row or two down from the fee box. Sunset is 7:44pm and full moonrise is 7:31pm. (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. 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.

52nd Street/Spencer Butte
2023-04-05
This hike to Spencer Butte Summit will take from 2.5 to 3 hours, with less elevation gain and a mile shorter than the Wednesday conditioning hike starting at Martin St.
Hike will start at 11:00 AM at the trailhead; arrive 5-10 minutes earlier.
Park on 52nd Avenue if lot is full. Caution: leave nothing valuable or visible in vehicle.

Pisgah East Side Loop
2023-04-07
East Trailhead – from Eugene, drive east on Highway 58 towards Pleasant Hill. Turn left on Ridgeway Road at the 76 Station and drive 1.7 miles to the parking area on the left. The parking lot is small, but vehicles can also park on the main road if necessary. Lane County Parking Pass is required to park in the lot. Remove any valuables from your vehicle. There is a porta potty at the trailhead. We will hike to the summit on trails #2, 4 and then #1 and returning on trail #6

Trestle Falls loop
2023-04-07
With recent rain and snow, Upper and Lower Trestle Falls should have good water flow. This beautiful forest with old growth and maples is a pleasant destination in all seasons. Trillium, Oregon grape and bleeding heart might be in bloom. This is my favorite hike!
Please meet at LCC and continue to the Cottage Grove Walmart parking lot near the LTD stop where I will meet the group and lead you out to Lund Park Trailhead where we will trek east on Brice Creek trail. After a mile, the Trestle Falls trail climbs for about a mile to Upper Trestle. We’ll continue past and return to the east end of Brice Creek trail, hike west and take a side trail to Lower Trestle Falls.
Many stops can be made to enjoy the beauty, and have snacks or lunch. Those who like may grab a bite and a beverage in Cottage Grove afterward, where I can give recommendations

Get Acquainted/Ribbon Trail
2023-04-08
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. 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

North Bank Habit Area
2023-04-08
The North Bank Habitat is near Roseburg, exit 135, Wilbur, then on North Bank Rd to the West Entrance. The drive takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The up and down loop hike has rolling—some steep & challenging hills— up to and along the ridgeline with oak savannas, meadows, wildflowers and views of the Umpqua River. Probably a muddy section. We should start hiking around 9:30 and complete the hike around 2:30. It will be a steady moderate pace, gathering on the hill tops. Easy to avoid poison oak. Plan for a snack break at a picnic table and then a late lunch. If weather forecast is not favorable, I will change the destination to Mt. Pisgah.

Easter Bunny Rides Again
2023-04-09
This annual ride will be starting in Springfield. Here’s our route: Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42230498
Extra credit: Since this ride will take place on Easter Sunday, you are encouraged to wear long ears, bushy tails, a Bugs Bunny outfit, etc.
Meetup/Departure Location: The Public House, 418 ‘A’ St, Springfield

Fairmount Streetcar Loop Walk
2023-04-09
We will walk a 3-mile loop section of the original 5.6-mile route of Eugene’s historic Fairmount streetcar line. On our walk some of the original tracks are still visible.
Meet in front of the Sweet Life Patisserie (1609 East 19th Avenue next to Prince Pucklers). Our walk will begin in front of the Sweet Life Patisserie. We walk over a few blocks east to Moss St. > through the UO to 13th > University St. south then skirting along the Masonic Cemetery > over to 26th > Columbia Ave. > Fairmount St. and back to Moss St., ending the hike in front of the Sweet Life Patisserie.
For twenty years, between 1907-1927, streetcars operated in Eugene along eighteen miles of electrified tracks. There were nine cars and four routes for this city of 11,500 people. Only the finest cars were used and each was superbly-crafted, they even included heaters and rattan seats! The cars were up to 45-feet long and could carry up to 100 passengers. The cost was 5 to 10 cents per trip.
Plan for our walk to be 2 hours in duration. There will be a rest room stop about a third of the way through our walk at the EMU provided it is open. Dress for the weather.

Mt Pisgah
2023-04-10
For hikers who can do the elevation and distance but want a slower pace. We will meet in the parking lot, start out on Trail 17, head up to Trail 3 and then take Trail 4 on our way to the summit. We will return by Trails 1, 3, and 17. If you do not have a Lane County Pass, be sure to allow time to purchase one with a debit/credit card at the fee box near the trailhead.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2023-04-11
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.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2023-04-12
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.

Hendricks Park Spring Heyday
2023-04-12
To celebrate the Ogden Nash poem, Lines in Praise of a Date Made Praiseworthy Solely by Something Very Nice That Happened to It, we will stroll the many trails in Hendricks park including Oak Knoll, Native Plant Garden, Rhododendron
Garden, and if interest, Pres Rock. Meet at the F.M. Wilkins(covered) Shelter across the road from the parking lot.
Once you sign up, I will email you the poem that suggests that one pause to rejoice on his favorite day, April 12th. Not sure about mileage but perhaps 1 ½ hours? If you have time, you might find a word that rhymes with April.
Spring will hopefully be in its heyday with flowers blooming “on the twelfth of Epperell.”

52nd Street/Spencer Butte
2023-04-12
This hike to Spencer Butte Summit will take from 2.5 to 3 hours, with less elevation gain and a mile shorter than the Wednesday conditioning hike starting at Martin St.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the start time.
Park on 52nd Avenue if lot is full. Caution: leave nothing valuable or visible in vehicle.

Rosary Lakes - Snowshoe
2023-04-12
We will park in the sno-park near Willamette Pass where the west entrance to Odell Lake turns off. This lovely section of the PCT gradually climbs through fir and pine forests with glimpses of Odell Lake and Diamond Peak. Lower Rosary Lake with Pulpit Rock will be our destination. If the group chooses, we can go another half mile to Middle and Upper Rosary.

GameNight!
2023-04-13
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.
