The Obsidians

52nd Street/Spencer Butte
2021-01-20
For several years we’ve done a conditioning hike on Wednesdays from the Martin Street Trailhead to the summit of Spencer Butte. In 2020 we began using this route while work was being done on the trail near Fox Hollow. This route is a mile shorter with 400′ less elevation gain.
If the parking lot is full, park on 52nd street on the other side of Willamette Street.
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
2021-01-20, 2021-01-27, 2021-02-03
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.

Spencer Butte, the day after
2021-01-21
One month after the winter solstice and one day after the inauguration, let’s look forward to the Summer Solstice. This Thursday hike will be organized like the Wednesday conditioning hikes. The departure will be staggered between 8:15 – 8:30 following COVID guidelines. Face covering required. If you haven’t gone on one of the Wednesday hikes, I will email you with more details. If you have questions, email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net
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
2021-01-23
Park at the Main Parking lot but MEET by the BATHROOMS across from the Pavilion. The elevation is what “a technical devise” came up with last week. We will take Trail 5, Trail 56 and then Trail 6 UP to the summit (4.5 miles). On the way back we will hike down on Trail 2, Trail 46. and up Trail 4 UP to Trail 3, to North Parking lot and river trail back to the main parking lot. Lots of UP and down. Please be familiar with the COVID protocols on the website. Allow 3 1/2 hours. We can adjust if weather does not cooperate.

Suislaw Ridge Explora
2021-01-23
Explora-hike 3.1 miles loop from Whittaker creek and 2 mile loop from Clay Creek.
➯ Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for full information. Participants will manage their own transportation.

Bechtel Shelter
2021-01-24
We will drive to Gold Lake snow park. We ski along roads to Bechtel Shelter for lunch. After lunch we continue beyond shelter depending how we are feeling and weather conditions before returning to cars. Trip canceled do to weather. I will put this back on the schedule. Jane

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2021-01-26
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.

52nd Street/Spencer Butte
2021-01-27, 2021-02-03
For several years we’ve done a conditioning hike on Wednesdays from the Martin Street Trailhead to the summit of Spencer Butte. In 2020 we’ve been using this route while work was being done on the trail near Fox Hollow. This route is a mile shorter with 400′ less elevation gain.
If the parking lot is full, park on 52nd street on the other side of Willamette Street.
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.

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise (long)
2021-01-28
Look for us by my car, two or three rows down from the fee box at the gate. We leave at 3:00. This is a long hike to backside of Pisgah–It takes two hours and 15 minutes at a moderate space to get to the top!. The timing is good for us to see both if weather cooperates. The sunset is 5:17 and (full) moonrise is 5:16. We will take Trail 7 to Trail 4 DOWN to Trail 2 and then up 800 ft elevation on the east side. Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions. If it is raining, we can opt for a shorter hike.

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2021-01-28
Look for us by my car (white SUV), two or three rows down from the fee box at the gate. We will leave at 4:10. This is the shorter hike to the top taking 50-60 minutes. We will use trails 17 to 3 to 4 to 1. We may see the longer hike group at the top. Sunset is 5:17 PM and (full) moonrise is 5:16 PM. We’ll come down trail 1. Email me at pkcoots@gmail.com if you have questions.
If you don’t have a Lane County pass, allow time to purchase one with a Debit/Credit card at the pay station near the trailhead (no cash). To buy an annual pass and support the trails, check out the websites for Friends of Buford Park ($50.00) or Mt. Pisgah Arboretum.

Ridgeline Drainage & Brushing
2021-01-30
For this, the first trail maintenance outing of 2021 we will be working to clear drainage ditches and culverts as well as do some trailside brushing.
Meet at the Fox Hollow Trailhead, the gravel parking lot across Fox Hollow Road from the Cascade Raptor Center.

Shotgun Creek Winter
2021-01-30
Scenic short drive via McKenzie View Dr., Mohawk, Marcola.
Watch the forecast and dress in layers. Be ready for rain or/and snow. Parking is $3 fee for each vehicle or you can use Shotgun Annual, Interagency Annual Park Pass, and Golden Age passes.
➯ Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for full information. Participants will manage their own transportation. Meetup/Departure Location: ShopKo Coburg Rd/Chad Dr,(btwn ShopKo & Taco Bell)

Eel Creek
2021-01-31
We will leave Eugene via I-5 heading south to Drain exit. We will stop in Elkton at bakery for coffee and bathroom break. Then on to Dean Creek Elk Reserve. With luck there will be elk and a second bathroom break. Then on to trailhead south of Winchester. The dunes in this area are some of the highest and motorized traffic is prohibited. We will hike across the dunes out to the trail that leads through the deflation plane to the beach. This portion of the trail can include wading. Because of all the rain the probability is high. Depending on weather conditions we can spend some time on the beach. I have led this as a loop depending on the amount of water at north end. The return is through Florence. This trip will not be canceled due to weather as the weather has provided some of the best trips.

Mt Pisgah
2021-01-31
Park at the Main Parking lot but MEET by the BATHROOMS across from the Pavilion. From there we will take Trail 5, Trail 56 and then Trail 6 to the summit (4.5 miles). On the way back we will hike down on Trail 2, Trail 46. and up Trail 4 to Trail 3, and Trail 7. From a recent “technical device” report at the end of the previous hikes, we think the elevation is more like 2000 ft because hills on the return route. This includes hiking the the North Trailhead and returning along the river. Please be familiar with the COVID protocols on the website. Allow 3 1/2 hours. We can adjust if weather does not cooperate.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2021-02-02, 2021-02-09
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.

Dillard/Fox Hollow Loop
2021-02-05
We’ll meet at the Dillard West Trailhead Parking area. I guess they call it West because its on the west side of Dillard Road whereas the trailhead for Mt Baldy is on the east side of the road. Drive past were the Ridgeline trail crosses Dillard for about 1/2 mile. The gravel lot is on your right. https://www.eugene-or.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3474/Ridgeline-Trail-Map?bidId=
Our course will take us over to the trailhead at Fox Hollow and back. There are parallel routes between the roads so this hike will largely be a loop. Or as someone suggested to me following my knee replacement “rehab roundabout”.

Mt Pisgah
2021-02-06, 2021-02-13
Park at the Main Parking lot but MEET by the BATHROOMS across from the Pavilion. From there we will take Trail 5, Trail 56 and then Trail 6 to the summit (4.5 miles). On the way back we will hike down on Trail 2, Trail 46. and up Trail 4 to Trail 3, and Trail 7. Then on to the North Trailhead and returning along the river. Please be familiar with the COVID protocols on the website. Allow 3 1/2 hours. We can adjust if weather does not cooperate.

North Butte Explora
2021-02-06
30% of the hike is on local asphalt roads. Rest of hike is on excellent maintained forest road and trail.
Good weather will guarantee GREAT views to Foster Reservoir and Sweet Home.
➯ Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for full information. Participants will manage their own transportation. Meetup/Departure Location: ShopKo Coburg Rd/Chad Dr,(btwn ShopKo & Taco Bell)

Gold Lake via Marilyn Lake
2021-02-07
Gold Lake snow park is where we are headed. We cross Hwy 58 to Gold Lake Rd our starting point. We going about a half mile down the road before we make a left turn off the road and follow the blue diamonds between upper and lower Marilyn Lakes. The trails passes the lakes wonders through the woods and eventually takes use to Gold Lake shelter. Lunch at the shelter. We return to the cars via the road. Obsidian COVID protocols will be followed. See website home page.

Hendrick's winter garden walk
2021-02-09
Easy walk through the Rhododendron Garden exploring the sweet scents of winter. Our winter bloomers need to work extra hard to attract the few pollinators out there – so good news for us!
Optional – if anyone is interested in adding a couple of miles at the end with a walk through the forest, I’m in!
Covid protocols in place. Meetup/Departure Location: Meet at Wilkens Shelter in the Native Plant Garden

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2021-02-10
The start time is staggered between 8:15 and 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.)
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.

52nd Street/Spencer Butte
2021-02-10
For several years we’ve done a conditioning hike on Wednesdays from the Martin Street Trailhead to the summit of Spencer Butte. In 2020 we used this route while work was being done on the trail near Fox Hollow. Now it is offered as a bit more moderate hike. This route is a mile shorter with 400′ less elevation gain.
If the parking lot is full, park on 52nd street on the other side of Willamette Street.
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.

Mt. Pisgah: Wildflower Scout
2021-02-11
Patches of Snow Queen have begun to bloom at Mt. Pisgah! What else can we find? This small-group hike will cover 4-5 miles of lower elevation trail in search of spring blooms. We will travel at a steady, relaxed pace, stopping briefly to inspect items of interest. We will keep together (with appropriate Covid distancing) so that no one misses a trail or a discovery. Anticipate some uphill and downhill stretches (but we are not going to the summit) and some muddy trail. If the weather is poor or the flowers are not open, we will still get in a good walk. Meet at the NORTH TRAILHEAD, so turn left after you cross the bridge as you approach the park. Look for my pale green Subaru Forester in the parking lot by the gate. You will need a Lane County Parks annual permit, or a Day Pass which can be purchased ahead of time at the main trailhead.

Rosary Lakes
2021-02-13
We’ll park at Willamette Pass. To Lower Lake is 6.2 RT miles where we’ll have lunch. We may go on to Middle or Upper (extends trail miles to 7.5) depending on conditions and how we feel. This is not a beginner level SS hike. Bring lunch, layers. Please arrive with either your own car or carpool before meeting, prepared for snow conditions. Be prepared to follow Covid protocols. Will cancel if weather conditions aren’t great.

Covered bridges on rainy day.
2021-02-13
Easy, short drive to Mohawk Valley. We will hike on paved rural roads from Earnest Covered bridge to Wendling Covered bridge… and back.
➯ Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for full information. Participants will manage their own transportation.
Meetup/Departure Location: ShopKo Coburg Rd/Chad Dr,(btwn ShopKo & Taco Bell)
