The Obsidians

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2024-04-02, 2024-04-16, 2024-04-23
We will start on time at 7:00 am. 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.
There are 2 ways to get to the trailhead:
1. 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 trail head is on your left in about ½ mile. Do not turn left on Southpointe Dr.
2. 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
2024-04-03, 2024-04-10, 2024-04-17, 2024-05-01 08:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 7:45 to 8:00.
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.

Row River Path Trillium Walk
2024-04-05
The Row River Trail is a paved “rail to trail” that is wonderful for walks, biking and an occasional equestrian. After driving from LCC, this walk will start at the Mosby Creek Trailhead and walk to Dorena Dam. Frequent stops for photos and local history will take place. Dozens of Trillium will be in bloom along with other spring flowers, two covered bridges and two railroad bridges.The top of Dorena Dam offers a splendid view, often seeing a variety of birds.
If anyone wants to go to lunch afterward, I can suggest some local favorites.

Row River Trillium Path
2024-04-06
I couldn’t make Jean’s hike on Friday, so with her ok, I’m leading the same hike on Saturday, but a little longer. We’ll be taking the Row River trail starting at Mosby Creek Trailhead, and walking to Row Point, and back. It’s 6 miles each way, according to Google. Afterwards we’ll have an optional stop at the Crestwell Bakery.
Meet up at Lane Community College at the parking lot nearest the stoplight. Any questions, please call or text the trip leader. 510-368-8941.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2024-04-09
We will start on time at 7:00 am. BRING YOUR HEADLAMPS! 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.
There are 2 ways to get to the trailhead:
1. 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 trail head is on your left in about ½ mile. Do not turn left on Southpointe Dr.
2. 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.

North Bank Habit Area
2024-04-10
HIKE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 10TH, due to safety concerns due to weather
From Eugene, it is approximately 75 minutes to trailhead. Traveling south on the I-5, take exit 135, then North Bank Road. Starting at the West Trailhead, the group will hike the up the Blacktail Ridge Trail to the Boundary Ridge and connect with the lower Chasm Creek Trail. Counter-clockwise loop. The route has a continuous moderate grade with views of the Umpqua River and Coastal Range. Feel free to contact leader with any questions – heiditrails@gmail.com.
Map and area information: https://www.blm.gov/visit/north-bank-habitat-management-area

Lodge and Grounds Cleanup
2024-04-11
Time for spring cleaning. Both in the Lodge and around the grounds. We need to get things in great shape before some rentals, a memorial service, and our own continuing activities. We need a thorough cleaning inside: windows, floors, cobwebs. Outside we need to clean gutters and get downspouts cleared. The East side walkway is going to need a long term solution but for now we might just add some gravel to the gaps. If we are really ambitious, there is the historical YMCA bulletin Board to be hung.
On the grounds,mowing, weed-wacking, hand weeding, blackberry digging and cutting, brush trimming, leaf blowing, mulch moving and spreading, and moving firewood and chopping kindling.
Lunch afterward at The Pub at Laurelwood.

Mt Pisgah Arboretum
2024-04-12
A CHANGE: The tractor is down for the count at the moment so it may not be as much gravel moving and we will be doing some more trail clearing and traditional trailwork. leveling raking, adjusting tread and whatnot.
The Arboretum plans on removing the current trail bed and hauling gravel to improve the firmness of our trails to allow for improved trail experience for all. Meet at the Arboretum Education Building. Tools, gloves, and a parking pass will be provided to volunteers (we suggest you bring along a water bottle)
This is a 9 to noon session. Come out and help our friends at the Arboretum. It’s very satisfying to walk trails and know that you’ve made a personal contribution through your efforts.

Get Acquainted/Ribbon Trail
2024-04-12
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. We will be done around noon. Members are welcome to sign up to help answer questions.
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 at a T intersection, turn left and immediately look for the Obsidians sign and driveway on your right. Enter the driveway and follow the gravel road to the parking areas and Lodge. 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

Heceta Head
2024-04-13, 2024-04-14, 2024-04-20
We’ll start at Washburne State Park and cross 101 to pick up the Valley Trail along China Creek. The bridge probably isn’t repaired yet, but we can check on its progress before we cross back over 101 and up through the forest on the Oregon Coast Trail to the Heceta Head Lighthouse for lunch. After lunch we’ll take the Hobbit trail down to the beach and along the shore back to our cars. If the bridge across China Creek is open the hike will be 8 miles, but since it probably isn’t, it will be 6 miles.
Be prepared for mud, but the weather should be good.
Drive is suitable for all vehicle types, and there are rest rooms at the trail head and at the lighthouse.

Get Acquainted/Ribbon Trail
2024-04-13

Amazon Creek Tree Maintenance
2024-04-13
Last year we helped plant trees along the Amazon Creek between East and West Amazon Drives. It’s time to go to make sure our efforts are maintained. In association with the Southeast Neighbors and the City, our goal is to re-mulch, re-stake & re-mark (where necessary), weed, and remove blackberry canes in all of the tree wells that were planted in 2023. I would plan on three hours ( or whatever time you can give).
We need to accomplish this ahead of the mowing season which is planned for mid to late April along this stretch of the creek.
meet-up at Kincaid Park Bridge – E. Amazon Dr. @ E. 39th Ave.)

GameNight!
2024-04-18 16:30 - 19:30
Come join us for an evening of games at the Lodge from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. By signing up, you’ll help us have an idea of about how many to expect, but you’re very welcome to show up any time throughout the evening, even if you don’t sign up. (No trip credit earned for this event) On some evenings, Obsidians Concessions will set out items for sale, so bring some cash or a check if you want to make a purchase some great Obsidians gear.

30th & Spring to Hendricks
2024-04-18 18:00
Meet at the Ribbon Trail trailhead: 30th and Spring Street. Please arrive by 5:55pm for a 6:00pm departure. This is an easy hike. The pace will match the group’s overall ability. We’ll hike into Hendricks Park and walk through the flower garden before returning. If you have any questions, please call or email me.

Diamond Peak- Graduation Climb
2024-04-21
This climb is intended for recent graduates of the Obsidians Climb School. 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 over 4000 ft of total elevation gain. As you prepare for this, think about hiking 4 Mount Pisgahs in a day

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2024-04-22
Celebrate Earth Day. Moonrise is 7:10 pm and sunset is 8:05pm . The full moon is the next day.
Watch for update if Trails 7 and 4 are open. If closed, we will need to take the main trail to the top and for the descent. Look for us by my car a row or two down from the fee box. Please arrive before the departure time to check in. Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions or if you have never hiked Mt. Pisgah. If you don’t have a Lane County parking pass, allow time to purchase one with Debit/Credit card (no cash) at the pay station by trailhead.

Erma Bells
2024-04-24

Kelly Butte
2024-04-25
Meet at Day Island Park, Springfield.
Begin at Day Island Park to D st, to Summit st. to Kelly Butte Summit , hike north to Centennial Blvd. to Rainbow st south to River trail toward Eugene. Cross River at bike path heading east on Franklin Blvd. returning to Day Island Park. Some may stop for lunch at Roaring Rapids Pizza on the river. Lunch special pizza, salad bar and drink $9.95.

Climbs around the world - Morgan Watson
2024-04-26
Morgan Watson grew up in Colorado and it was there that he began his love for climbing mountains. He is an avid outdoor adventurer and has traveled around the world to climb mountains and experience different cultures. As one of the owners of Crux Rock Gym in Eugene, he encourages others to reach their fitness goals in the gym and facilitates them to explore their adventuring spirit in their climbing gym. As our featured presenter at our April 2024 potluck, he will share with us his adventures and photos of some of his climbs and excursions around the world, including Peru, Kyrgyzstan and Nepal.

Pisgah East Side Loop
2024-04-26
To get to the east trailhead head drive toward Pleasant Hill on hwy 58. Turn left at the 76 station on to Ridgeway Rd. The parking area is 1.7 miles down this road. We will hike to the summit on trails #2, 4 and 1 and then return using trail #6. The parking lot is small but vehicles sometimes park on the road if there isn’t room. You need a Lane County pass to park but not if you park on the road. Remove any valuables from your vehicle. There is a porta potty at the trailhead.
You may choose to lunch at Sunrise Cafe with others after the hike.

Diamond Peak- Graduation Climb
2024-04-26

Trail Maintenance
2024-04-27 00:00 - 23:59
We don’t have a project yet. But, we’re certain we’ll be doing some trail maintenance.
Meet at the main Spencer Butte Trailhead parking lot, the paved lot on Willamette.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2024-04-30 07:00
We will start on time at 7:00 am. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time. 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.
There are 2 ways to get to the trailhead:
1. 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 trail head is on your left in about ½ mile. Do not turn left on Southpointe Dr.
2. 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.
