The Obsidians

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2020-07-03
Please read the COVID-19 Protocols on the website. Met two rows down below the gate in the parking lot. My current plan is to take Trail 4 intersecting the main trail to the top. Moonrise is at 7:57 pm and sunset is at 8:58. (The full moon is the next night)
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. To buy an annual pass and support the trails, check out the websites for Friends of the Buford Park ($50.00) or Mt. Pisgah Arboretum. ($50.00/$40.00 for seniors). if you have questions, email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net

Beach clean-up with SOLVE
2020-07-05
SOLVE is a state-wide non-profit organization that takes action every day to keep Oregon clean and green. They mobilize over 35,000 volunteers and organize over 1,000 cleanup and restoration projects throughout the state.
SOLVE mission: Bring Oregonians together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Beach Cleanups on July 5 are crucial in removing litter and debris left from 4th of July celebrations.
Please join me on our next SOLVE cleanup project. We will clean lovely small beach and area around Berry Creek, few miles north of Florence, OR. Optional: On the way back we will stop in Florence for lunch. Please join us.
>> Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Opie Dilldock
2020-07-05
This hike will take us up to the Collier Glacier viewpoint above Opie Dilldock pass. We’ll start at the Matthieu Lakes trailhead near Lave Camp Lake which connects to the PCT then goes to South Matthieu Lake. I plan on making a stop at Yapoah Crater for a quick trip to the top. We’ll have lunch at the Collier Glacier viewpoint then return on the same trail taking the lower trail past North Matthieu Lake.
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Scott Mountain
2020-07-08
With wildflower filled meadows, a scenic viewpoint, and inviting swimming lakes, this hike has a lot to offer. This is a loop hike that we’ll be doing in a CCW direction. From Scott Lake we’ll hike on trail 3513 past Hand Lake to trail 4345 which will take us to great views from the summit of Scott Mt. We’ll then follow trail 4339 then trail 3502 to make a stop at beautiful Tenas Lakes where we’ll take a break for lunch and swimming. From Tenas we’ll continue on trail 3502 past Benson Lake to our trailhead. There’s no guarantee on mosquitoes so bring repellent.
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2020-07-08
PLACE of DEPARTURE. 52nd and Willamette Trailhead (not the upper paved lot).
Every Wednesday we usually 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.)Social distancing will be maintained. 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 meet someone going your way, MASK UP, excuse yourself and pass. If someone is coming the other way, MASK UP and if that person doesn’t get over, step aside and face away. If you are following within 8 feet of another person, you should mask up. You are in their slipstream. People can change their pace and suddenly you’re too close. PLEASE DO THIS.
If you can’t see up the trail far enough to have time to put on your covering, leave it on. Make sure you can quickly put on your face covering. Don’t congregate when you meet someone on the trail or on the summit. Maintain face coverings or stay 6 feet apart.
If you don’t feel well, please don’t come. If you are not willing to follow the guidelines, please do not join the group.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2020-07-08, 2020-07-15
PLACE of DEPARTURE. 52nd and Willamette Trailhead (not the upper paved lot).
Every Wednesday we usually 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.)
Social distancing will be maintained. 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 meet someone going your way, MASK UP, excuse yourself and pass. If someone is coming the other way, MASK UP and if that person doesn’t get over, step aside and face away. If you are following within 8 feet of another person, you should mask up. You are in their slipstream. People can change their pace and suddenly you’re too close. PLEASE DO THIS.
If you can’t see up the trail far enough to have time to put on your covering, leave it on. Make sure you can quickly put on your face covering. Don’t congregate when you meet someone on the trail or on the summit. Maintain face coverings or stay 6 feet apart.
If you don’t feel well, please don’t come. If you are not willing to follow the guidelines, please do not join the group.

Patterson Mountain
2020-07-09
Great hike through old growth. Passes forest service shelter on the way to the top with a view of the Willamette drainage. Some wild flowers should be out. Possible snow on ground. Possible mosquitoes, so bring repellent. Also, bring lunch an water.
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike/ride. Refer to main website page for information.

UO Campus Tree Walk
2020-07-09
We’ll meet at the NE corner of Harris and 23rd at 1 PM. (there is time-unlimited parking nearby alongside the Church of Christ, but walk is doable as well within 2 hours.)
If you wish to meet at campus, at 1:15 we can meet on the east side of Knight Library near bike racks, just let me know.
We’ll use as a guide the virtual tree walk Whitey Lueck sent out in early June, looking at some of the most notable trees historically and botanically in some of the older parts of campus.
Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike/ride. Refer to main website page for information.

Lookout Creek
2020-07-10
This is a great hike through very old growth forests. We will go as far as possible and then head back to the trail head (see below). Transportation: Please check either the box “need” or “have”. Indicate the number you are comfortable taking in your car or put a zero if you plan on driving without passengers. The trail head can accommodate 8 cars if needed.
This hike is in the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest and carries prohibitions against removing materials. This is from the H.J.Andrews website:
Fishing and collection of forest products, such as flowers, moss, mushrooms, bear grass, or fir boughs, are prohibited on the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest. Many of these organisms are being studied by researchers and their removal can have serious, negative impacts.
The trail is often steep and has some awkward sections. The total trail length is 3.5 miles but as of 2019 we only go in around two miles and turn around. This is because beyond that point means a dangers creek crossing and then a 3 mile road walk back to the start of the hike at the west trailhead.

Chambers Lake
2020-07-11
It’s been a while since I’ve hiked in this area due to the 2012 Pole Creek burn. As it’s been eight years since the burn I’d like to see how the recovery is progressing. This is an out and back hike that starts and ends at the Pole Creek trailhead. Our destination and lunch spot will be Camp Lake at 6950 feet so snow is a possibility but considering our warm spring I doubt it will be a problem. Please note that the majority of this hike is through the burn area.
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information

Three Mile Lake
2020-07-12
A hike that starts 10 miles south of Florence. We start in a forest that opens to a trail out on the dunes and ends at the beach. We walk along the beach for about a mile, return to the dunes, and back into the forest. We get a peek at the south end of Three Mile Lake.
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike/ride. Refer to main website page for information.

OCT #2: Newport-Waldport
2020-07-12 00:00 - 2020-07-14 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
(The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) is scenic and diverse and best experienced on foot. Mark is organizing a series of section hikes to explore the OCT. You are welcome to join all the walks or any that strike your fancy. Please note, OCT trips should be considered as exploratory; flexibility is a must. All of the section hikes are intended to be enjoyed with a daypack, and always return to a central location for tent camping, showers, etc. Trips focus on beach walking, utilizing lesser-traveled side roads and trails. Hiking next to Hwy 101 will be avoided as much as possible. To maximize beach time, and minimize highway walking, we will be car shuttling between start and end locations as needed on the trip.
This trip is 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. Bridge crossings include pedestrian walkways.
Registration and payment:A) Online registration opens May 9, 2020.B) Within 5 days of signing up, mail a check payable to “Obsidians” for $30 (members) to Mark Hougardy, 418 Heritage Oak Dr, Eugene, OR 97405. This amount covers the campground fees, firewood, parking, and trip fees.C) The payment is non-refundable unless your place is filled by someone else.
Schedule:Day 1: Sunday – At least 3 miles of hiking today. We will depart Eugene and drive to the Newport area. We will start at the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse near the Yaquina Bay Bridge, and walk a few minutes down to the Newport waterfront. We will arrive close to lunchtime so bring your lunch or plan on grabbing a bite to eat. If the Maritime Museum is open we’ll stop in to see some of the exhibits (optional). Around 2 pm we’ll make our way back to the Yaquina Bay Bridge, cross over to the South Beach area, then continue on Jetty Road and to South Beach State Park to our group camp. For those who want some flexibility, you are welcome to explore on your own and meet the rest of the group about 4 pm at the Group Camp. The rest of the day is free time.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. Late that afternoon we will return to camp, enjoy a shower, and have dinner at a restaurant in Newport. The restaurant is optional.
Day 3: Tuesday – Today, we walk 8 miles (or a few miles less depending on the tide). 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 which could impede our walk, if the tide is high or incoming we will drive 2.5 miles south at the Driftwood Beach State Recreation Site to start. 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. On the other side, we can take water and restroom breaks at the interpretive center. Depending on the tide we will walk on the narrow beach or a side street to the Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site where we will end the trip. If time and hunger levels allow, we will stop at a local cafe or drive a short distance to Yachats for a mea

Odell Lake
2020-07-14
Load bus at (former) Shopko site at 7:30 a.m.; Depart at 8:00 a.m.
We begin the day by driving the back roads through Springfield, Jasper, Fall Creek and Lowell to the Lowell Covered Bridge for a quick tour at this historic site. Then it is on to Oakridge for a coffee break at Dairy Queen (on your own). Our next stop will be a tour at the Willamette Fish Hatchery that will take us through the life cycle of a salmon. The hatchery grounds also have fish ponds, a quaint museum, a nature trail, and nine holes of miniature golf. We’ll head to Odell Lake Lodge and Resort for lunch on your own. You can eat indoors in the rustic lodge or out on the terrace, both with views of the lake. If you prefer, you may also bring your own sack lunch. After lunch and a walk along the shore of Odell Lake, we drive to Salt Creek Falls and a short hike to Too Much Bear Lake. If time allows, we may also visit the Office Covered Bridge in Westfir and/or Elijah Bristow State Park near Dexter. We’ll arrive back in Eugene around 5 p.m.
A COMPLETED MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM FOR 2020 IS REQUIRED
Cost: Member $50 Non-Member $52 Payment Due: June 23, 2020
Please make checks payable to Obsidians Bus Trips
REGISTRATION & MAIL CHECKS TO: Judy Garwood 541-683-5539
4145 East Amazon Drive, Eugene 97405
Meetup/Departure Location: (former) ShopKo Coburg Rd/Chad Dr,(btwn ShopKo & Taco Bell)

South Cinder Peak
2020-07-14
South Cinder Peak is located at the crest of the Cascades halfway between Mt Jefferson and Three Fingered Jack giving it great views. This hike is listed in Sullivan’s book under “Carl Lake”. Getting to the trailhead involves driving 13 miles of back roads including 7 miles of gravel road. From the trailhead we’ll hike by Cabot, Carl, and Shirley Lakes before climbing a steep cinder cone to the summit for lunch. After lunch we’ll return to our vehicles on the same trail.
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Eagles Rest
2020-07-15
Please read the Covid-19 protocols on the Obsidian website prior to the hike. Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike.
We will begin our hike at the Eagle’s Rest Lower trailhead (there are no restrooms), and walk a very shady trail uphill to Eagle’s Rest, a rocky outcrop with sweeping views from Mount June to Spencer Butte. We’ll plan on having lunch at the top before returning the same way we came.
Note to drivers: the last 3.2 miles along Goodman Creek Road off Highway 58 is gravel with plenty of potholes in places. It is navigable in a regular car, but requires careful weaving and slow driving.

Yapoah Crater Loop
2020-07-18
Meet at Santa Clara Plaza north of Division Ave. on south side of the parking lot near Burger King. We will ascend via the PCT past South Mathieu to Yapoah Crater. From the top of the cone there is an excellent view of lava flows and glacial features near North Sister. On the return loop we will visit North Mathieu Lake, formed by a lava dam.
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Red Butte
2020-07-18
This hike takes off from the Duffy Lake trailhead off of Big Meadows Road and will involve a 20 foot stream crossing which may necessitate wading so be prepared. The trail continues past Duffy and Mowich Lakes before reaching Red Butte. The climb up the cinder cone is steep and a bit of a scramble but will give us a scenic spot for our lunch.. We’ll return on the same trail.
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Heceta Lighthouse via China Ck
2020-07-19
We will drive to Washburn Wayside and start the hike along the beach. Continue up the Hobbitt trail and over to the light house with great views of the Pacific. I believe the lighthouse will be closed. It is run by volunteers. On the return trip we will cross the coast Hwy. pickup the China Creek trail back to the cars.

Koosah Falls around Clear Lake
2020-07-20
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.
This is a great hike to see both waterfalls, Kossah and Sahalie Falls and one of the clearest most pristine lakes in the cascades. Clear Lake is where the McKenzie River gets its start.
Please mark your transportation. If you want to drive with no one in your car then mark “have” and “0”. If you might be comfortable taking a person or two then mark how many besides yourself you are willing to have ride with you. I don’t want to park more than six cars at the small trailhead so would expand the max participants if we have the travel capacity.

Campus Walk
2020-07-21
Meet in front of the U of O Library for a 2 hour walk to view outside sculpture and building ornamentation. Our first stop will be the Opal Whiteley bronze statue on the east of the Knight Library. Probably public bathrooms will not be available.

Broken Top Crater
2020-07-22
This hike extends from the Tam McArthur Rim hike from Three Creeks Lake and continues all the way past The Broken Hand to No Name Lake which is nestled just below the West side of Broken Top. This was originally one of Sullivan’s secret hikes that has since become well known and very popular for its spectacular alpine scenery. The trail was once an unmarked scramble but has recently become a signed path so don’t expect solitude but the views are worth sharing. Also for those willing there will be the option of dinner in Sisters. This is an all day excursion.
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2020-07-22
PLACE of DEPARTURE. 52nd and Willamette Trailhead (not the upper paved lot).
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.)Social distancing will be maintained. 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 meet someone going your way, MASK UP, excuse yourself and pass. If someone is coming the other way, MASK UP and if that person doesn’t get over, step aside and face away. If you are following within 8 feet of another person, you should mask up. You are in their slipstream. People can change their pace and suddenly you’re too close. PLEASE DO THIS.
If you can’t see up the trail far enough to have time to put on your covering, leave it on. Make sure you can quickly put on your face covering. Don’t congregate when you meet someone on the trail or on the summit. Maintain face coverings or stay 6 feet apart.
If you don’t feel well, please don’t come. 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.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2020-07-22
PLACE of DEPARTURE. 52nd and Willamette Trailhead (not the upper paved lot).
This 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 g_iredale@yahoo.com. Come a few minutes early because we leave promptly at the listed time. (Please scroll down to read all of this trip description.)Social distancing will be maintained. 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 meet someone going your way, MASK UP, excuse yourself and pass. If someone is coming the other way, MASK UP and if that person doesn’t get over, step aside and face away. If you are following within 8 feet of another person, you should mask up. You are in their slipstream. People can change their pace and suddenly you’re too close. PLEASE DO THIS.
If you can’t see up the trail far enough to have time to put on your covering, leave it on. Make sure you can quickly put on your face covering. Don’t congregate when you meet someone on the trail or on the summit. Maintain face coverings or stay 6 feet apart.
If you don’t feel well, please don’t come. If you are not willing to follow the guidelines, please do not join the group.

Grizzly Peak
2020-07-25
This hike starts out at the Pamelia Lake trailhead and so requires a special limited entry permit. At the time I requested the permit there was a group size limit of 10 people so that’s what the permit was issued for. I’ll need to collect an additional fee from each person of one dollar to cover the cost of the permit. This hike has a challenging 2700 foot climb to Grizzly Peak for a great close up view of Mt Jefferson where we’ll have lunch. We’ll return to our vehicles on the same trail.
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Mt. Baldy Sunrise
2020-07-25
When’s the last time you watched the sunrise?
>>Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Annual Beach Barefoot Hike
2020-07-26
Join me on Annual Obsidian barefoot hike. This year we will start at Florence’s North Jetty and hike north to the Sutton Creek estuary.
After the snack break…same way back.
We are designed to walk barefoot but evolved to shoe 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.
Let’s feel the sand!
>> Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

OCT#3: Waldport to Heceta Head
2020-07-26 00:00 - 2020-07-28 23:59
The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) is scenic and diverse and best experienced on foot. Mark is organizing a series of section hikes to explore the OCT. You are welcome to join all the walks or any that strike your fancy. Please note, OCT trips should be considered as exploratory; flexibility is a must. All of the section hikes are intended to be enjoyed with a daypack, and always return to a central location for tent camping, showers, etc. Trips focus on beach walking, utilizing lesser-traveled side roads and trails. Hiking next to Hwy 101 will be avoided as much as possible. To maximize beach time, and minimize highway walking, we will be car shuttling between start and end locations as needed on the trip.
This trip is a 3-day, 19-mile section hike of the OCT between Waldport and the Heceta Head Lighthouse. We will be camping at the Cape Perpetua Campground.
Signup and Payment:
A) Online signup will open Saturday, May 9, 2020.
B) Within 5 days of signing up, mail a check for $28 payable to the Obsidians and send to Mark Hougardy, 418 Heritage Oak Dr, Eugene, OR 97405. This covers the campground fee, firewood, and the trip fee.
C) The payment is non-refundable unless someone takes your place.
SCHEDULE:
Day 1: Sunday – We walk 7 miles on the beach. We depart Eugene and drive to Yachats to drop off our shuttle car. Then we continue onto the Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site in Waldport and walk back on the sand to Yachats. In the late afternoon, we drive to the Cape Perpetua Campground. We have that evening to explore Cape Perpetua.
Day 2: Monday – In the morning we’ll spend a little time down at the beach seeing the sights. I the late morning we will drive a short way to Yachats and hike Amanda’s Trail to the overlook at Cape Perpetua then back to the campground. The trail is 6 miles with 500 feet of elevation. The campground does not have showers so we’ll have to clean up as best we can. That evening let’s dine at a Yachats restaurant (we’ll have to see what is open).
Day 3: Tuesday – 6 miles of beach and trail walking with a 300-foot elevation gain. We break camp and drive as a group 9 miles south. We are skipping small beach sections or areas that are too remote or tight for hiking. We could start at the Ocean Beach Picnic Area, but because of limited space and tides, we will start at Murial Ponser Memorial State Scenic Overlook. Leaving from Murial Ponser we 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.

Olallie Mountain
2020-07-27
This is a great hike through some giant fir trees to an old fire lookout with spectacular views of the cascades. It involves about 23 miles total of driving on gravel road number 1993. The trail itself is clear of obstructions all the way to the summit.
We’ll start at the Pat Saddle Trailhead, make the short side trip to Wolverine Lake, and plan on having lunch at the summit. For a more detailed description, see William Sullivan’s hike #68 in his Central Oregon Cascades hiking book.
Please read the Covid-19 protocols on the Obsidian website prior to the hike. Participants will manage their own transportation.
