The Obsidians

Mt Baldy Sunrise
2020-06-14
Early Morning Special

Steens Mountain
2020-06-15 00:00 - 2020-06-18 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)

Thompson's Mills, Mt Angel Abbey, Oregon Gardens
2020-06-16
Load bus 8:00 a.m., depart 8:30 a.m. – NOTE LATER DEPARTURE TIME
We begin our day by driving the back roads to Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site in Shedd. Volunteer docents will give us an hour-long tour of the last water-powered mill in Oregon. The mill chronicles 160 years of rural life and honors the owners who continually adapted the mill to the changing world around it. After the tour we will take our coffee break at a picnic site located on the grounds. Then we’re off to Mt. Angel Abbey, perched on a hilltop outside the town of Mt. Angel. The 1882 Benedictine Abbey offers an ornate church; the Alvar Aalto designed library; a small museum with an eclectic collection of North American mammals, Native American artifacts, minerals, porcelain figurines, art glass, clerical vestments and artworks; a brewpub where the monks brew beer from hops grown on monastery land. Then it is time for lunch (on your own). We will drive to the Mt. Angel Sausage Company, featuring German cuisine. You may also choose to enjoy lunch at another nearby restaurant or café, or bring your own sack lunch. After lunch we head to the Oregon Garden in Silverton for a guided tour and free time to enjoy the many gardens and gift shop on your own. We will arrive back in Eugene around 5:30 p. m.
COMPLETED 2020 MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM REQUIRED
Cost: Member $60 Non-Member $62 Payment Due: May 26, 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)

Santiam Wagon Rd & House Rock
2020-06-16
i-5 to brownsville Meetup/Departure Location: ShopKo Coburg Rd/Chad Dr,(btwn ShopKo & Taco Bell)

Mt Pisgah
2020-06-16
We’ll take a slow pace to the top and back. The route will be to start up trail 17, go to trail 4, and then connect to trail 1 and the top.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2020-06-17
In response to Covid-19 a number of changes have been as we restart hikes on a limited, trial basis. All hikes are limited to a 10 person max, members only, and no fees are being collected. Social distancing will be maintained. Everyone is required to carry a face covering and know how to us it properly. Carry hand sanitizer. More information is available on the website.
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 the woods. The flowers are great. IF YOU ARE FOLLOWING WITHIN 8 FEET OF ANOTHER PERSON, YOU MUST MASK UP. WHY? You are in their slipstream, people change their pace and suddenly you’re too close. PLEASE DO THIS.
WHEN CAN YOU LEAVE THE MASK OFF?
IF YOU CAN SEE UP THE TRAIL AND NOBODY IS COMING YOUR WAY.
YOU ARE MORE THAN 10 FEET BEHIND SOMEBODY YOU ARE FOLLOWING.
AT THE TOP, WHEN YOU ARE EATING AND DRINKING, AND PLEASE DO THAT AWAY FROM OTHERS.
PLEASE DO NOT CONGREGATE WHEN YOU MEET SOMEONE ON THE TRAIL, UNLESS YOU ARE 6′ APART. SAME GOES FOR THE TOP.
THERE ARE A WIDE VARIETY OF RESPONSES TO COVID AMONG OBSIDIANS, ALMOST ALL OF WHOM ARE AT UPWARDS OF 8% RISK FOR DEATH IF THEY GET COVID. PLEASE RESPECT THE FEELINGS OF OTHERS. IT IS NOT A JOKE, MASKS ARE A SIGN OF RESPECT AND ARE TO SOME EXTENT PROTECTIVE OF YOURSELF AS WELL. THERE IS EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THIS.
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
2020-06-17
The hike is now open to 12 people, but I am more conservative about Covid than it would appear the rest of the area is.
Therefore,
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 the woods. The flowers are great. IF YOU ARE FOLLOWING WITHIN 8 FEET OF ANOTHER PERSON, YOU MUST MASK UP. WHY? You are in their slipstream, people change their pace and suddenly you’re too close. PLEASE DO THIS.
A FACE SHIELD, WHICH COSTS

Smith Rock
2020-06-19
Fri, 6/19: Depart at 8a from McDonald’s, Bob Straub and Main, Springfield, and drive to SRSP with 1 midway break stop. THIS WILL BE A DAY HIKE, as follows: start on the Canyon Trail 3.3mi at relaxed pace, (supposed to have outstanding views of the canyon) with lunch on the trail. A swim in the Crooked River might be an option for some folks late afternoon and/or more exploring in the canyon. Then back to Eugene, with stop for dinner at Tacodas. This will be the first visit to SRSP for the leader. 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.
Leader available by text, phone, or email.

Ridgeline Special 1
2020-06-19
Interested in hiking a 1/2 marathon…over 2 days? Here’s your opportunity! I was inspired by an event called “Summer Solstice Stroll” sponsored by Eclectic Edge Racing to benefit fitness, community, and raise money for local youth and families. Additional info and registration: www.EclecticEdgeRacing.com. You do NOT have to sign up for this event in order to participate in either or both of these two Obsidian hikes. And we will NOT be strolling!
Meeting place: the Ridgeline Trailhead at 52nd and Willamette. We will start by hiking the road through Solar Heights, so you may want to park on 52nd St. instead of the small parking lot. Then we will hike up to the top of Spencer Butte and back. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Marys Peak Wildflowers??
2020-06-20
Departure will be from the from the Santa Clara Plaza parking lot on north River Road just north of Division Ave. We will meet near a Burger King on the south side. Trail head starts at Conner’s Camp parking lot. Moderate pace. I’ve always wanted to do this hike on a warm, clear day when the flowers are blooming. I’m on guessing the best time for flowers. We’ll see what happens.
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 Pisgah Summer Solstice
2020-06-20
This is not my usual flexible sunset hike–It takes two hours at a moderate space to get to the top!! We will take Trail 17 to Trail 4 DOWN to Trail 2 and then up 800 ft elevation on the east side. Sunset is 8:58pm.
The parking lot will be crowded. Look for us by my car, two rows down from the fee box. . Our goal is to view the rays of the sunset shining through the Mt. Pisgah Sighting Pedestal. For more about the pedestal, see the sculptor’s website, Peter Helzer. Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions. I have

Brownsville Loop
2020-06-20
Meet at Norma Pfeiffer Park, Coburg. Ride from Coburg to Brownsville and back. Lunch midway at Randy’s. Make sure your bike is healthy. Have a spare tube, pump, helmet, rain gear, layers, water, face covering.
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the outing. Refer to main website page for information.

Welcoming Summer Sunrise
2020-06-20
Let’s welcome sun on the first summer day.
Please arrive few minutes early. We will leave promptly at 4:44 AM.
☮
>>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.

Mt Pisgah Summer Solstice
2020-06-20
Look for us by near car a row or two down from the fee box. Sunset is 8:58. I plan to take trail 1 to the summit. We will take the main trail (#1) back to the parking lot. Email the leader g_iredale@yahoo.com if you have questions. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Patterson Mountain
2020-06-21
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Ridgeline Special 2
2020-06-21
Interested in hiking a 1/2 marathon…over 2 days? Here’s your opportunity! I was inspired by an event called “Summer Solstice Stroll” sponsored by Eclectic Edge Racing to benefit fitness, community, and raise money for local youth and families. Additional info and registration: www.EclecticEdgeRacing.com. You do NOT have to sign up for this event in order to participate in either or both of these two Obsidian hikes. And we will NOT be strolling!
The hike- up the Ridgeline Trail to Fox Hollow, up to Baldy, down to the Spring Trailhead, on city streets and a secret cut-through trail and then on the Rexius trail back to our cars. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike/ride. Refer to main website page for information.

Kentucky Falls
2020-06-22
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’ll hike downhill 0.8 miles to reach Upper Kentucky Falls. After another 1.4 miles downhill, we’ll reach two waterfalls side-by-side near the confluence of the North Fork Smith River and Kentucky Creek: North Fork Falls and Lower Kentucky Falls. All three waterfalls are approximately 100 feet high. Then we’ll continue south on the trail another 0.8 miles to a 6 foot waterfall that flows into a 140 foot pool (I have not scouted this last 0.8 miles of the hike). We’ll have lunch at either the twin falls or the lower pool, then turn around for the uphill hike to the trailhead parking lot. The pace will be leisurely to allow time to take photographs and admire the beauty of the forest. Note to drivers: approximately 4.3 miles of the drive (one-way) is on gravel roads, and there are a few rough spots.

Mt Baldy
2020-06-23
Please read the COVID-19 Protocols on the website. We will start on the Ridgeline Trail at west end of Martin Street (not Canyon Drive) to connect with the Amazon Headwaters Trail up to Fox Hollow. From there we will take the new surfaced upper trail to Dillard and Baldy, down to Spring Trailhead. (About 1 hour and 40 minutes) Depending on the group and weather, our return trip could include a neighborhood trail adjacent to the powerline—poles would be helpful. Mileage is less if we choose this option.

Trail Maintenance
2020-06-24
For this outing we will be brushing the sides of the Tie Trail. We will hike down the Tie Trail to the junction with the Ridgeline and work our way back observing social distancing.
Attendees will practice social distancing and mask wearing throughout the event. Please bring your own gloves and tools (such as handclippers, loppers, machetes, weed whips, weed cutters, etc.).
Meet at the main Willamette Street Trailhead parking lot, the paved on Willamette.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2020-06-24
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.

Patterson Mountain
2020-06-26
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.
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 Head Loop
2020-06-27
Departure from Santa Clara Plaza just north of Division Ave. on north River Road, near Burger King. Starting at Washburne Park, we will hike the beach and up the Hobbit Trail to the Light House for lunch. Then back to Hobbit intersection, cross HW 101 to walk the Valley Trail and the China Trail loop as we return to the vehicles. Moderate pace with stops for snacks, water and photography. There will be a steep stairway with over 150 steps round trip to and from the lighthouse
Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Sweet Creek Falls
2020-06-28
Golden age pass will also work. This is a beautiful hike along Sweet Creek that includes, water falls and wildflowers. It is relative short so depending on group we may include lunch in Florence for those interested. This would emphasize a place with outdoor eating 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.

Macduff Mountain
2020-06-28
I wasn’t able to lead an annual trip to Macduff last year as the road was closed all summer. This year I’ve decided to hike to the summit of Macduff from a different trailhead. Instead of hiking from the West end of the O’Leary trail off road 411 we’ll be hiking from the East end of the trail which starts off road 1993 from a trail called Saddle Mt trail 3326. The first two miles the trail switchbacks up to the saddle between Horsepasture and O’Leary. From there it heads East past O’Leary and McLennan before reaching Macduff. After lunch on Macduff we’ll return on the same trail. This will be the 89th anniversary of the placement of the brass plaque on Macduff Mt commemorating Nelson Macduff, a former Obsidian member. This trail has always been a great place for wildflowers.
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

Weyerhaeuser Haul Rd
2020-06-28
Weyerhaeuser Haul Rd: Wallace Creek to Hills Creek. Yes, an afternoon hike! This is a lovely hike on a wide parially paved old logging road. It will be easy to socially distance.
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#1: Depoe Bay-Newport
2020-06-28 00:00 - 2020-06-30 23:59
The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) is scenic and diverse and best experienced on foot. Mark is leading a series of section hikes to explore this amazing trail. 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, 16-mile section hike of the OCT between Depoe Bay and Newport. Our route will explore the middle part of this section on the first day, the northern area on the second, and the southerly part on the third day.
Sign-up & Payment:
A). The trip will be available for online signup May 9, 2020.
B). Within 5 days of signing up, mail $30 to Mark Hougardy, 418 Heritage Oaks Drive, Eugene, Oregon, 97405; this amount covers your campground reservation, firewood, entry for to 3 vehicles at the group camp, and trip fees
C). The payment is non-refundable unless your place is filled by someone else.
SCHEDULE:Day 1: Sunday: At least 4 miles of walking today with options for more exploring. We will depart Eugene and drive north to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse & Natural Area. We will have lunch near the interpretive center. We will spend the day on the peninsula’s trails and enjoying a cobbled beach. Later, we will beach walk between Yaquina Head and Beverly Beach. In the late afternoon, we will set up at Beverly Beach State Park (in a Group Camp).
Day 2: Monday: 6 miles of hiking today. In the morning, we shuttle north to Depoe Bay and explore a 1-mile section of the coast, making a stop at the whale watch center. Then we drive south a short distance south to the Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint to park. After a few hundred feet of highway walking we turn onto Otter Crest Loop, a low-use, one-way, secondary road that offers great views of the rugged coast several hundred feet below. Our route will take us to the Cape Foulweather & the Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint area where the road descends to the Devil’s Punchbowl. Near the Punchbowl we will return to the sand and continue to Beverly Beach State Park. We have the rest of the day to explore and make good use of the camp showers. Optional: if time/energy allows, we might visit Newport’s waterfront for dinner.
Day 3: Tuesday: 6 miles total. In the mid-morning, we will break camp. To avoid an unsightly two-mile stretch of 101 we will drive the Agate Beach Recreation Area in Newport. We will walk north along Agate Beach, next to the river, before continuing south to the historic Nye Beach. At Nye Beach, we ascend to neighborhood streets and continue another mile to the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. We end our trip at the base of the lighthouse overlooking the beautiful Yaquina Bay Bridge. We should return to Eugene in the late afternoon.

Bachelor Mt. via Bugaboo Ridge
2020-06-29
Wildflowers and great views of Mt. Jefferson. Note: I have limited the number of hikers because there is limited space for parking at the trail head. If people are choosing to drive together, I will open the hike up to more participants. t
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.

Horse Rock
2020-06-30
Meet at Santa Clara Plaza parking lot, N River Rd near Burger King. From the trailhead we will hike through a small pine stand into a meadow, then along a gently rising grassy ridge. Our destination will be an eroded volcanic vent and radial dyke that erupted roughly 30-36 m.y.a.
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.

Swing Hill Loop
2020-06-30
Meet at North Pisgah parking area. We’ll walk down the lane and then take the “horse trail” up to trail 3 and make a loop around Swing Hill. Easy pace
