Chambers Lake
2021-07-19
This is a hike to Camp Lake as described in Sullivan’s Central Cascades book. This is a long hike through a 2012 burn area before reaching the beautiful Camp lake nestled between the South and Middle Sisters. Last year the higher elevations were mostly covered with snow making the hike even more of a challenge however I think this is one of the most scenic sections of the Three Sisters Wilderness. If the snow has melted around the lake I might go for a swim. If you’d like to join me, bring water shoes. After the hike we’ll stop for dinner in Sisters.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2021-07-20
The name is the same but the path is different! Because of the City’s work to improve the Tie Trail our path to the top of the butte is closed. Instead of going up the Tie trail we’ll continue to follow the Ridgeline Trail east and complete the Dillard trails loop
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 trial head is on your left in about ½ mile.
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.

Women's Coast Kayak
2021-07-20 00:00 - 2021-07-21 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
I’m leading this year’s women’s kayak/canoe trip over to the coast. Within 5 days of signing up, send a check payable to me for $10 for the launch fee for Drift Creek; mail to Lana Lindstrom, PO Box 5506, Eugene 97405. Both days are on flat water, but we will be paddling both upstream against the little bit of current (but with the tide) and downstream. On Wed, we will paddle across the Alsea River, about a 10 minute crossing with potential wind to get into Drift Creek. In general, we’ll be paddling fairly steadily for about 1.5-2 hours, lunch, and then drift back. It’s not a difficult paddle, but one can’t lolly gag like one can do on a lake. If you have any questions as to your ability or your boat, call me before signing up – 541-683-1409. Feel free to share this e-mail with other women boaters.
Cancellations: no refund unless someone takes your place.
The details:
Both days we’ll launch around 10AM; both paddling days are about 3 hours long including a lunch break. Some women will probably go further upstream than others.
On Tuesday, July 20 we will paddle the North Fork of the Siuslaw River, launching at Bender Landing and going upstream. Florence area. Lane County permit required.
Tuesday night we’ll camp at a commercial campground on the Alsea River, 4 miles from Waldport. There’s an extra fee for that – about $10-15 per person. If you just want to come over for either day or stay elsewhere, that’s fine too. Just let me know so I reserve an appropriate # of camp spots. Bring your own dinners and breakfasts or money to eat out.
Wed, July 21. Paddle up Drift Creek. Return home.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2021-07-21
The name is the same but the path is different! Because of the City’s work to improve the Tie Trail our path to the top of the butte is closed. Instead of going up the Tie trail we’ll turn left at Fox Hollow and take the lower trail to reach Dillard Road. At the Dillard Trailhead we’ll take the right hand trail to reach the summit of Mt Baldy. The mileage and elevation given is based on this route. There are options for extending or making variations to this route. Any changes will be at the discretion of the leader.NOTE: Flexible departure time from 8:15-8:30.
Every Wednesday 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. It is a great way to get and stay in shape. If this is your first time on this Obsidian hike and/or if this is the first time you have hiked up Spencer Butte from the lowest elevation, you may want to call the leader to discuss the pace. Registered guests are welcome. If you have questions, email summertrips@obsidians.org. Come a few minutes early because we leave promptly at the listed time. (Please scroll down to read all of this trip description.) Everyone is required to CARRY A FACE COVERING and know how to use it properly. More information is available on the website. Look for Covid-19 Protocols. If you are not willing to follow the guidelines, please do not join the group. 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 call the leader if any questions.

Mt Pisgah
2021-07-21

Oregon Rocks Walk
2021-07-21
Take a short walk to the Muesum of Natural and Cultural History to meet Marli Miller, U of O prefessor and author of Oregon Rocks

Richardson Park moonwalk
2021-07-22
Moonshine hike along the Fern Ridge Reservoir. Easy paved path.
Meet at West Kirk Park parking-lot. 44.12096, -123.30026

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2021-07-23
Look for us by my car, two or three rows down from the fee box at the gate. The full moonrise is at 9:07 pm and the sunset is at 8:45pm. We will take Trail 17, 7, and 4 to the main trail. If the weather cooperates, we can linger for the moonrise. You will need another layer of clothing and a flashlight for last part of the hike on the way down.
If you would like a longer hike, let Dave Cooper know you would like to lead it.

Divide Lake
2021-07-23
Early start to beat the heat. Divide Lake sits on a saddle between Yoran Peak and Diamond Peak. To the lake is 8 miles and 1200′ elevation gain which rates as moderate. If the heat allows, we will continue another .8 miles (400′) to the PCT for views into eastern Oregon (weather permitting). Those who wish may remain at the lake, relax or swim, then hike down with the others.

Diamond Peak Loop
2021-07-23 00:00 - 2021-07-25 23:59
Day 1 -Afternoon start at Trapper creek trailhead near Odell Lake Lodge at Willamette Pass. Hike approx. 5 miles to Diamond View lake have dinner. Excellent possible group camp site here if conditions warrant. After dinner hike, 2.5 miles to lovely camp spot at unnamed lake with great view of Diamond Peak.
Day 2 – Late start possible if needed. Hike 3 miles to Maiden lake off South ridge of Diamond Peak and camp. Excellent group site at West end a bit above lake. 1 mile round trip to top of Diamond Rockpile for lunch suggested. Also swim, fish or lounge at lake.
Day 3 – Early start. Hike est. 10 miles return along PCT below Diamond Peak with spectacular views all around concluding with cutoff down Yoran Lake trail past a number of lovely lakes and ford of Trapper Creek to TH.
Carpooling is recommended as the trailhead parking is limited.

Cowhorn Mountain
2021-07-24
This is an exploratory trip as I haven’t actually been to the summit of Cowhorn Mt but I’ve always wanted to. We’ll take the route from Timpanogas Lake as described in Sullivan’s latest Central Cascades book except I plan on going in a clockwise direction. A stop for swimming in one of the lakes is a possibility so bring water shoes. After the hike the more hungry of our group will stop in either Oakridge or Pleasant Hill for dinner. This will be an all day trip so plan on getting home late.

Annual Beach Barefoot Hike
2021-07-25
Join me on my Annual Obsidian barefoot hike. ➳We are designed to walk barefoot but evolved to shoes wearing creatures. Barefoot walking is candid way to feel the earth under your feet. There are many health benefits and some risks associated with going barefoot. Please use common sense. Carry sandals or (and) thick socks and use in case you are unable to handle sand under your feet. This year we will start at Baker beach and hike north to the Darko’s Hidden Cove. After the snack break…same way back.
Let’s walk the beach!

Spencer Butte from Fox Hollow
2021-07-25
Start early to avoid the heat and crowds. The Tie Trail is open on week-ends allowing us to see the progress on the trail resurfacing. If you need a longer hike, I suggest adding the Dillard loop after the hike.
The Fox Hollow trailhead parking area is across from the Raptor Center. Meetup/Departure Location: Fox Hollow trailhead parking area

OCT: Newport to Waldport
2021-07-25 00:00 - 2021-07-27 23:59
NOTE: THE DEPARTURE LOCATION HAS BEEN UPDATED: (Coordinates: 44.6009, -124.0652) South Beach State Park, Day Use Parking Lot. Participants are responsible for getting to the Newport, Oregon, area, and return transport. Meet Sunday, noon (12pm).
The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) explores Oregon’s dynamic edge, a resource-rich environment that has attracted explorers for centuries and into today. This section hike is intended to be enjoyed with a daypack and then return to a central location for tent camping. The focus is on beach walking, utilizing lesser-traveled side roads and trails. Hiking next to Hwy 101 will be avoided as much as possible. We will be car shuttling between the start and end locations each day. This trip is exploratory; flexibility is a must. Obsidian Covid protocols will be in place. The trip leader is vaccinated.
This trip a 3-day, 19-mile section hike of the OCT between Newport and Waldport. We will be tent camping at the South Beach State Park group camp. The majority of this trip is beach walking. There will be several bridge crossings on pedestrian walkways.
SCHEDULE:
Day 1: Sunday – At least 3-6 miles of hiking today. All participants should meet at the departure location in Newport. Our day will begin at noon so bring your lunch or plan on grabbing a bite to eat. The time in afternoon is up to you: visit the aquarium, explore the local beach, drive to downtown or walk into the town via the bridge. The trip leader plans to walk over the bridge to the Maritime Museum (in the downtown area), then returning by the bridge to the South Beach area, via Jetty Road and trails to our group camp. We cannot check into the group camp until 4pm. The rest of the evening is free time to explore and a beach walk.
Day 2: Monday – 8 Miles of beach walking today. After making a quick car shuttle run, we will depart camp as a group and walk south on the beach, past the picturesque Beaver Creek at Brian Booth State Park, and continue just beyond to the Seal Rock State Recreation Site where our car shuttle will be waiting. Late that afternoon will return to camp, enjoy a shower, and have dinner at a restaurant in Newport (provided this is a safe activity). The restaurant is optional.
Day 3: Tuesday – Today, we walk 8 miles. In the morning, we break camp and drive to Seal Rock State Recreation Site to begin the walk. There are two rock outcroppings near Seal Rock that will impede our hike so we will need to walk for several hundred feet on Hwy 101 and then on side streets for about 1 mile then return to the sand. Our walk on the beach will continue to the community of Bayshore (just north of Waldport) where we will go inland and over to the Alsea Bay Bridge and cross on a pedestrian path. On the other side, we can take water and restroom breaks at the interpretive center. If time, and hunger levels, allow we will stop at a local cafe or drive a short distance to Yachats for a meal. Depending on the tide we will walk on the beach or a side street to the Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site where we will end the trip.
PAYMENT
A). Total of $25/person; $23/person to the trip leader) includes 2 nights of campground fees, firewood, and *should* cover all cars, the Obsidian trip fee is $2/peson.
B). Pay the trip leader on the first day of the trip.
ADDITIONAL:
Food: Bring all of your food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks).
Clothing: Dress for the weather; it can be cool on at coast in the summer or have full sun. Plan on small creek crossings and getting your feet wet.
Equipment: Bring your tent and a small camp stove etc.
Camping: Our group camp has limited shade. We might hear some residual highway noise. There are picnic tables. Flush toilets and showers are available in the campground but you might have to walk a few minutes. Bring earplugs, shower shoes, and items that help you to be comfortable. Always a good idea to bring an ample supply of quarters for the shower.
Drivers: Drivers needed, we need 2 or 3 drivers who will shuttle.
Passes: Bring your state park and federal park passes.

Brice Creek
2021-07-26
This hike will start at Cedar Creek trail head on Brice Creek. We’ll go upstream with a stop at Lund Park. As we continue east, we’ll take the Trestle Falls loop to Upper Trestle Falls, then continue the loop returning to Brice Creek near the upper trail head. As we meander west on Brice Creek, a side hike takes us to Lower Trestle Falls. Then we’ll continue along Brice Creek back to Cedar Creek Trail head. Plan to swim or wade in the creek if you like.

Obsidian Grand Tour
2021-07-27
This is one of my favorite hikes as it covers all the best viewpoints of the Obsidian area. We’ll start at the Scott trailhead to follow Scott trail to Four-in-one Cone where we’ll head to the top. From there we’ll join the PCT and head South past Minnie Scott Springs for a water stop then on to Opie Dilldock Pass with a side trip to Collier Glacier viewpoint for a lunch stop. After lunch we’ll continue on the PCT to Glacier Creek Spring where we’ll again leave the trail to scramble up to Arrowhead Lake for another break and a refreshing swim. After our swim we’ll head down to Sister Springs where we’ll catch the PCT again, head past Obsidian Falls, then take the Obsidian Loop trail to the Obsidian trailhead. This is an all day hike so don’t plan on getting home early. Some of us plan on stopping at Takoda’s restaurant after the hike.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2021-07-27
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 trial head is on your left in about ½ mile.
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.

False Brome Removal
2021-07-28
For this month’s outing we will remove false brome, an invasive species, from the West Trail.
Meet at the main Willamette Trailhead parking lot, the paved lot on Willamette Street.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2021-07-28
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 8:15-8:30.
Every Wednesday 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. It is a great way to get and stay in shape. If this is your first time on this Obsidian hike and/or if this is the first time you have hiked up Spencer Butte from the lowest elevation, you may want to call the leader to discuss the pace. Registered guests are welcome. If you have questions, email summertrips@obsidians.org. Come a few minutes early because we leave promptly at the listed time. (Please scroll down to read all of this trip description.) Everyone is required to CARRY A FACE COVERING and know how to use it properly. More information is available on the website. Look for Covid-19 Protocols. If you are not willing to follow the guidelines, please do not join the group. 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 call the leader if any questions.

Macduff Mountain
2021-07-29
This hike was rescheduled from June 28th which was cancelled because of the heat wave.
This year will be the 90th anniversary of the placing of a brass plaque on Macduff Mt to honor Nelson Macduff, a former forest service supervisor and Obsidian member. This year I’ll be doing the shorter route to the summit from road 411. The trail is a beautifully engineered trail up a steep ridge through a well shaded forest with bountiful wildflowers, great views of Sawtooth Ridge, and a clear view from the summit of the Oregon Cascades from Mt Hood to Diamond Peak. It is a rough and steep gravel road to the trailhead that is not suitable for low clearance vehicles. If you don’t know Macduff’s location, see the June 2021 Bulletin.

Mt Washington
2021-07-29
Mt Washington is a super fun one. Hike on the PCT, then up a climbers trail. A scramble along a ridge that will get your attention. Then we put on our harnesses for 3 pitches (rope lengths) of easy, protected climbing. Then we’ll downclimb and rappel, then pick our way down a long scree field and head back to the PCT. Plan on an 11 – 14 hour day. Meetup/Departure Location: TBD

Spencer Butte from Fox Hollow
2021-07-31
The Tie Trail is open. It is fun to check out the repairs. Start early to avoid the heat.
Meet at the Fox Hollow trailhead parking area across from the Raptor Center. The round trip takes around 2 hours.
If you need a longer hike, it would be easy to continue hiking on the Ridgeline Trail to Dillard or beyond.

Spencer Butte Sunrise
2021-08-01
We will hike Ridgeline Trail from Fox Hollow to the top of Spencer Butte. Meetup/Departure Location: Fox Hollow parking area across from Raptor Center

OCT- Waldport to Heceta Head
2021-08-01 00:00 - 2021-08-03 23:59
Mail a $35 check (members) made payable to the “Obsidians” to Mark Hougardy, 418 Heritage Oaks Drive, Eugene, Oregon, 97405; this amount covers your campground reservation, firewood, parking at the group camp, and Obsidian trip fees. Cancellations: The payment is nonrefundable unless your place is filled by someone else.
The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) explores Oregon’s dynamic edge, a resource-rich environment that has attracted explorers for centuries and into today. This section hike is intended to be enjoyed with a daypack and then return to a central location for tent camping. The focus is on beach walking, utilizing lesser-traveled side roads and trails. Hiking next to Hwy 101 will be avoided as much as possible. We will be car shuttling between the start and end locations each day. Flexibility is a must. Obsidian Covid protocols will be in place. The trip leader is vaccinated.
This trip is a 3-day, 23-mile section hike of the OCT between Waldport and the Heceta Head Lighthouse. We will be camping in the group camp at Cape Perpetua. The hike is split into several smaller sections with the middle section being first (the daily schedule is below).
Food: Bring all of your food and money for eating out (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks). The trip leader suggests bringing food you can cook with a camp stove as fire restrictions might be in place.
Clothing: Dress for the weather; it can be cool on at coast in the summer or have full sun. Plan on small creek crossings and getting your feet wet.
Equipment: Bring your tent and a small camp stove, sleeping bag, etc.
Camping: We will be staying at the Group Site at the Cape Perpetua Campground. There are pit toilets nearby and flushers at the nearby visitor center, though you might have to walk a few minutes. Drinking water spigots are in the campground. Bring earplugs, and items that help you to be comfortable. Showers are not available.
Drivers: Drivers needed, we need at least 3 drivers who will shuttle. Vehicle Fee: Trip fees *should* pay for all our vehicles.
Passes: Bring your state park and federal park passes.
Departure Time: 12pm (noon)
Departure Location: Cape Perpetua main parking area (44.2803, -124.1078)
SCHEDULE:
Day 1: Sunday – 8 miles hiking. We shuttle from the Cape Perpetua main parking area to Yachats. We will explore Yachats a bit then hike Amanda’s Trail to the overlook at Cape Perpetua. We return to the Cape Perpetua parking area then drive a short distance to the campground. The trail is 6 miles with 500 feet of elevation; allow 2 additional miles for side explores. We will have the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore tides pools, etc.
Day 2: Monday – We walk 8 miles on the beach. We shuttle to the Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site in Waldport and walk back on the sand to Yachats where we will enjoy lunch at a local cafe. We will drive back to the campground and have the rest of the day to explore or rest. If the weather allows, we will watch the sunset from Cape Perpetua.
Day 3: Tuesday – 7 miles of beach and trail walking with a 300-foot elevation gain. We break camp and drive as a caravan 9 miles south. We are skipping sections or areas that are too remote for hiking, have a short beach area, or have no shoulder on the highway. We will re-group at the Murial Ponser Memorial State Scenic Overlook. We will arrange a shuttle to Cape Creek while the rest of the group explores the mouth of Big Creek. The entire group will then venture south on the sand, past the Washburne rest area, to the Hobbit Trail, and continue over to the Heceta Head Lighthouse. We end our walk at the nearby parking area under the picturesque Cape Creek Bridge. In the late afternoon, we return to Eugene.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2021-08-03
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 trial head is on your left in about ½ mile.
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
2021-08-04
NOTE: Route to include Tie Trail portion up to Spence Butte as trail repair is completed. Flexible departure time from 7:45 am. Please inform leader if you have any health concerns that may be impacted by this hike prior to leaving and/or inform leader if you are leaving group for alternate route or need to adjust distance.
Every Wednesday 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. It is a great way to get and stay in shape. If this is your first time on this Obsidian hike and/or if this is the first time you have hiked up Spencer Butte from the lowest elevation, you may want to email the leader to discuss the pace. Registered guests are welcome. If you have questions, email summertrips@obsidians.org. Come a few minutes early because we leave promptly at the listed time. (Please scroll down to read all of this trip description.) 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 call the leader if any questions.

Evening hike Mt Pisgah
2021-08-04
Meet at main parking area look for my blue Honda CRV , will park in 3rd row from trail head. We’ll take 17 /7/ 3 / 4 to the top and back down 1 /3 /7.
The pace is geared for conditioning, if you have any questions give me a call.
Please bring ample water, it will be warm.

Spencer Butte from Fox Hollow
2021-08-07
Start early to avoid the head and crowds.
Meet at the Fox Hollow trailhead parking area across from the Raptor Center. The round trip at a steady pace takes around 2 hours.
If you haven’t seen the repairs on the Tie Trail, this is a good time to check it out.
If you need a longer hike, it would be easy to continue hiking on the Ridgeline Trail to Dillard or beyond.

Mt Baldy Sunrise
2021-08-08
Early Morning Special

Exploring Mt. Hood hike/camp
2021-08-09 00:00 - 2021-08-11 23:59
Exploring Mt.Hood is a 3day/2night extended trip. We will be camping at Still Ck Campground near the town of Government Camp. Day 1. Elk Meadows a moderate 6 mile/1,200 ft gain hike to a lovely meadow at the base of Hood. Full views and lovely flowers.Day 2. Elk Cove a difficult 9-11 miles/2,600 + loop hike. We will be taking the Elk Cove trail to Timberline tr and returning on the Pinnacal trail. We will have optional side trips to Coe Branch and Dollar Lk. Day 3. Lost lake an easy 3.4 mile loop around picturesque Lost Lk. followed by a swim and ice cream at the Lost Lk resort.Cost will be between $20 and $30, depending on number of participants and other variables. Plus carpooling to Hood and day trip carpooling costs to drivers. NOTE; 7/10 ELK COVE HIKE IS UNACCESABLE THE RD IS WASHED OUT AND DOWNED TREES HAVE NOT BEEN CLEARED. I will contact rangers before our trip and will have a back-up plan if issues not resolved. Meetup/Departure Location: meeting up at Zig Zag Ranger Station at 10 am
