Get Acquainted/Ribbon Trail
2022-04-09
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.
Dorothy’s cell number is 458-221-0262 if you need to contact her after 8:45 am.
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, turn left onto Central then immediately look for the Obsidians Inc. sign and driveway on your right. Enter the driveway and follow the gravel road to the parking areas and Lodge. Members are welcome to sign up to help answer questions. 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

Mt Pisgah (long)
2022-04-10
Park at the Main Parking lot but MEET by the BATHROOMS across from the Pavilion. From there we will take Trail 5 to Trail 56 and then the long uphill Trail 6 to the summit (3.5 miles). Return down on Trail 2 to Trail 4 then make our way back up to the north trailhead and along the river back to our cars. We can adjust the route if weather does not cooperate. Optional — It is a loop so if you want to shorten the hike, you can head back from the summit to the parking lot on the main trail.

Rock climbing field day
2022-04-10
For the 2022 Obsidians and Eugene Mountain Rescue Climb School we will be learning rock climbing skills at the Skinner Butte Columns.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2022-04-12
NOTE: Flexible start time between 6:45 and 7.
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.

Hendricks Park Spring Heyday
2022-04-12
To celebrate Ogden Nash’s 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 the park including Oak Knoll, Native Plant Garden, Rhododendron Garden, and more. Meet at the F.M. Wilkins Shelter.
Once you sign up, I will email you the poem that suggests that one pause to rejoice on Nash’s 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. If questions, email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-04-13
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 8:15 to 8:30 NOTE TIME CHANGE
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
2022-04-15
Look for us by my car a row or two down from the fee box. Sunset 7:56 and moonrise is 6:57. Full moon is the next day. Current plan is take Trails 7,3, and 1 to the summit. Faster hikers might want to 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 allow time to purchase one with Debit/Credit card (no cash) at the pay station by trailhead.
If weather doesn’t cooperate with viewing a celestial event, we won’t wait….

Spring Basin BLM Wilderness
2022-04-15 00:00 - 2022-04-17 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
This is an Eastern Oregon moderate elevation hike through pristine sage and rimrock in the Spring Basin BLM Wilderness near Clarno, John Day country. Depart Eugene Friday morning. 4 hour drive to TH. Hike 4 mi following faint tread eastward up side canyon and over crest into Spring Basin and camp. Saturday, explore southeast into Hay Bottom and remote Eagle Canyon. Sunday, return hike over crest to TH.

Waterfall hike
2022-04-16
The trails will be muddy but the water will be gushing! We’ll make visits to Wildwood Falls (right on Lower Brice Creek Rd), Swordfern Loop Trail (2 miles), Parker Falls (1.6 miles), Moon Falls (.5 miles) and Pinard Falls (.5 miles). Spirit Falls (.6 miles) is probably still closed, but I’ll keep checking.
The distances are short but some of the trails will be slippery and steep, so it’s rated as moderate rather than easy.

52nd Street/Spencer Butte
2022-04-16
Sunrise hike! There will be a full moon and hopefully clear skies, so we can see stars as we walk through the dark forest. It’s magical to take this same hike that we’ve done so many times and race the rising sun to the summit. Don’t be late, as we’ll need to leave on time and we don’t want anyone walking alone in the dark.
If the stars align, there might be sunrise muffins at the summit.

Easter Bunny Rides Again-Coburg
2022-04-17
Route:https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38968552
23 miles and 136 feet of elevation(mainly flat).
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: Norma Pfeiffer Park, Coburg.

Snow skills field day
2022-04-17
This is a full day session up on Hayrick Butte near Hoodoo Ski area to learn mountaineering skills such as roped travel, self-arrest and anchor building.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2022-04-19, 2022-04-26
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.

Mountaineering Conditioning
2022-04-19
Park in the main parking lot and meet at the gate for trail#1. You must pay for a day pass at the parking kiosk (debit/credit cards only) or have an annual Lane County parks pass on display in your vehicle. We’ll hike up to the summit and back on trail #1. I’m planning to do two laps with a weighted pack (recommend 20-40lbs in your pack if you want to use training weight), but you’re welcome to join for just one lap and/or hike without weight. The goal will be to finish in about 2 hours, which should be right around sunset (bring a headlamp).

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-04-20, 2022-04-27
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.

Martin Street to Dillard Road
2022-04-20
Mid-week after work in town hikes:
Martin Street to Dillard Rd, this is a conditioning hike.
We’ll hike up to Foxhollow, take the left upper trail towards Old Dillard Road. We are not going all the way to Dillard, but looping back on the lower trail. This provides a nice 3.8 mile work out.
Please note, after work hikes are listed as either “easy” or “conditioning”. Conditioning is a faster pace, more elevation, meant to be a work-out. Most hikes are 1.5 hours. Assess your ability before signing up and if you haven’t hiked with Obsidians before, please give me a call if you have any questions.

Mountaineering Conditioning
2022-04-21
It’s time to throw off the contemplative weight of winter and get in shape for climbing/mountaineering season! What better way than throw heavy, unnecessary things in your pack and hike up something at a good clip.
We will meet at the main trail head of Mt. Pisgah near the pay station at the gate. You must pay for a day pass at the parking kiosk (debit/credit cards only) or have an annual Lane County parks pass on display in your vehicle. We will hike up and down, and up and down again on Trail #1. Those who like are invited to bring a dense snack or dinner item to enjoy together at the top after our second assent.

Spring Beach Clean Up with SOLVE
2022-04-23
Don’t be late! From Target W11, Eugene we will carpool to Beachside State Park, few miles south of Waldport. As part of Oregon Spring Cleanup, Obsidians will participate in cleaning Wakonda Beach. If you plan to meet the group at the trailhead; Please be at Beachside State Park parking lot around 9:50AM. Trailhead GPS coordinates are 44.382856, -124.088744
Trash bags, gloves and short orientation will be provided to you on the site.
Optional> Group lunch in Yachats.
➽ Obsidians volunteers rock!

Diamond Peak- Graduation Climb (for Climb School)
2022-04-23
NOTE: Priority for this climb will go to 2022 Climb School students.
We will ascend via the Pioneer Gulch route on the south to southwest side of the mountain. The climb is approximately 10 miles round trip with about 4000 ft of total elevation gain. As you prepare for this, think about hiking 4 Mount Pisgahs in a day. The general equipment needs are below. The specific gear list will be sent to those who sign up.

Entire McKenzie River Trail
2022-04-24
We’ll be hiking the entire, 25.9 mile length of the Mckenzie River Trail in one day. This hike will maintain a brisk pace all day with a minimum number of short stops. We’ll use a car shuttle by leaving one vehicle at the McKenzie Bridge trail end, the rest of the vehicles will drive up to the start of the trail near Fish Lake. As this is a weekend hike expect to see and occasional mountain bike and a crowd of people at Blue Pool but for most of the day we’ll have the trail to ourselves. There will be the option of stopping at Takoda’s Restaurant after the hike so select your driver accordingly. I’ll postpone this trip if it looks like rain or for difficult trail conditions.

Mountaineering Conditioning
2022-04-24
Park in the main parking lot and meet at the gate for trail#1. You must pay for a day pass at the parking kiosk (debit/credit cards only) or have an annual Lane County parks pass on display in your vehicle. We’ll hike up to the summit and back on trail #1. I’m planning to do two laps with a weighted pack (recommend 20-40lbs in your pack if you want to use training weight), but you’re welcome to join for just one lap and/or hike without weight. The goal will be to finish in about 2 hours.

Lodge & Grounds Clean-up
2022-04-25
Time for spring cleaning just before we have a multi-day rental. The Lodge hasn’t had much use but that just means there are a few cobwebs to deal with.
Spring means thing are growing. We have mowing, weeding, blackberry digging, wheelbarrowing, and mulch spreading. Bring work gloves, your favorite weeding tool, water bottle, sun hat, and a wheelbarrow if you have one. Feel free to bring a snack to share for our 10:30 a.m. break. We are planning on a 9 to noon work session but we’ll gladly accept any time you can spare.

Trestle Creek Falls
2022-04-26
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 should 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. Those who like may grab a bite and a beverage in Cottage Grove, where I can give recommendations.

Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail
2022-04-28
This is a spectacular hike on the Washington side with views of the Columbia River and Gorge most of the way. The trail is very steep in spots and there are a dozen or so loose rock fall areas where the footing is difficult. Sturdy shoes and at least one walking stick are required. The trailhead & small parking lot are 1/4 mile past the village of Lyle, WA on Rte. 14.

E2C Skinners Butte / Island Park
2022-04-29
The concept of providing a continuous trail from Eugene, Oregon to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail began in the early 1970’s. While the trail officially opened in 1994, it was never fully completed and not all segments of the trail are connected or completed. But this summer we can hike segments and see if some members can do the whole thing. The first segment leaves Eugene from Skinner’s Butte Park and takes us to Island Park in Springfield. When we have lunch at Day Island we can talk about doing doing sections like Tire Mountain, the Alpine Trail, the High Divide trail to Waldo, and getting to the PCT from the Bobby Lake Trailhead.

Tumalo & Cottonwood Canyon
2022-04-29 00:00 - 2022-05-02 23:59
Friday: April 29, 2022
Drive to Tumalo State Park four miles north of Bend, arriving by 12pm where we will meet in the day-use area parking lot. We will hike 1.5 miles south along the Deschutes River Trail to the Riley Ranch Nature Reserve where there is an additional 1.5 miles of trails. In the late afternoon, we return to the park and stay in Group Camp B near the Deschutes River (check in is at 4pm). The evening is open for hanging out, or to go on a 2 mile hike north along the river. There are Flush toilets and hot showers in the park. Plan on 5 miles of hiking.
Saturday: April 30, 2022
In the morning, depart by 9am and drive 2.5 hours to Cottonwood Canyon State Park on the John Day River, making a brief stop at the Redmond Caves (lave tubes) and later the ghost-ish town of Shaniko. We should arrive at about 1pm at the park, no later that 2pm. We will have time to explore, the 3-mile round trip Hard Stone Tail might be a good option for a hike. At 4pm we can check into the End of the Road Group Camp. There is a new moon tonight, so star gazing should be great! Plan on up to 5 miles of hiking. Cottonwood Canyon is remote, rugged, and deliberately undeveloped, there is no cellphone service. Potable water is available in the camping area, but you will have a walk of about 15 minutes to fill up. We will have access to a vault toilet in the group camp, though flush restrooms and shower facilities are available in the cabin area.
Sunday: May 1, 2022
Hike the Pinnacles trail, a round trip of 9.5 to 10 miles along the John Day River, maybe more if we go off trail a bit. We return to the Group Camp for our final night. If conditions allow, we go on a night hike down by the river. More stargazing.
Monday: May 2, 2022
in the morning, depart on your schedule. If we caravan back to Eugene, possibly stop in Sisters for coffee and Clear Lake for a short hike.
Pay the trip leader $30 upon arrival; this covers 3 nights of camping fees, and wood for a fire (if allowed at that time). Bring your Oregon State Park Pass. Bring your tent and all camping items. Bring all your meals and be prepared for the weather. Average highs for that time are 70 degrees and lows in the upper 30s. The trip leader is fully vaccinated and boosted.

Ridgeline Bridge Repair
2022-04-30
For this month’s outing we will work with Parks and Open Space’s staff to replace the handrails on the 2 bridges.
Meet at the Fox Hollow Trailhead parking lot, the gravel lot on Fox Hollow.

Diamond Peak- Graduation Climb
2022-04-30
