Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2024-02-13
The plan for this week is a return to the regular Tuesday morning hiking route! We start on time at 7:00 am and will hike along the Ridgeline, across Willamette and up to the top of Spencer Butte. Much of the trail has been cleared since the recent storms, but there will be a few areas to go around fallen debris still on the trail. Please plan to bring a headlamp or other good light for the early section of the hike. As always, 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
2024-02-14
NOTE: This will be to Fox Hollow and then to Baldy because of city work on the main trail. Short day. Sorry.

Odell Overlook
2024-02-15
Nice variety of trails & views

Mt. Pisgah 6 Miler
2024-02-16
WATCH FOR TRAIL CLEARING OPPORTUNITIES
Meeting place; Mt Pisgah, west (main) trailhead by the restrooms. If you don’t have a Lane County pass, be sure to allow time to purchase one with debit/credit card (no cash) at the fee box near the main (trail #1) trailhead.
On this out and back trip we will hike north and clockwise around swing hill following trails 17, 7, and 3. We will continue north-east through the forest on trail 4 crossing to trail 1 via the 14 connector to the summit spending time to enjoy the view, snacks and hydrate. The route is roughly 6.3 miles out and back and should take 2-2.5 hours. Elevation gain is about 1500 feet.

EAGLE CREEK TO HIGH BRIDGE
2024-02-16, 2024-02-24
This is a lovely trail with lush growth & abundant waterfalls along the way. The trail will almost certainly be wet. There are several narrow sections along abrupt cliff edges with 200’ vertical drop-offs to the creek below – most of the cliff edge areas are accompanied by steel cables embedded along the inboard rock wall – grip these cables for safety. Many photo ops here. {I hiked this trail on Jan. 5 – you can get a video preview on my YouTube channel Buzzin’ Along.}
Coffee & snack optional on the way back at the beautiful Multnomah Lodge.
NW Forest Pass + $2 on site parking fee required

Finn Rock Reach Restoration Planting with MRT
2024-02-17
This is a work party with McKenzie River Trust. We will learn about and support restoration at Finn Rock Reach on Saturday, February 17th, from 9:30am-12:00pm
We are celebrating the completion of the large-scale restoration work with a big community replanting party in the upper terrace area. McKenzie River Trust staff will be on site to share about project details, and the native plant species we will be using in the planting project. Work will include bending, lifting, digging, and walking on slopes or uneven ground.
Our restoration project manager will be there to share about the property history and restoration work, and stewardship staff will be there to help guide the planting. Below are details for the project, including what to bring and expect for the day.
We will start with introductions and learn more about the history of Finn Rock Reach and restoration project details. We will share information about the native species we are planting, and model some tips for success when planting bare-root trees and shrubs. We will then gather our tools, gloves, and buckets of plants and start planting! Work will include lifting, bending, crouching, digging and walking on uneven ground. We will have drinking water to top off water bottles, and there is a porta-potty on site.
Currently, Saturday’s high is anticipated to be in the low 50s, with about 55% chance of precipitation. Please plan to dress in layers to stay comfortable, and be prepared with waterproof clothing and shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy.
We’ll meet at Springfield / McDonald at Main and 57th and then carpool to McKenzie Community School since is no much parking space at the Finn Rock Reach project site. From there is just two miles, so we’ll ride with MRT staff, or catch a ride with someone in the group.
To find the McKenzie Community School you will drive past the Finn Rock Reach restoration area, and take your first left onto Blue River Drive. McKenzie Community School will be just up the road to your left. Look for our blue McKenzie River Trust events sandwich board at the entrance.
➢➢➢ Limited to five Obsidians volunteers. There will be twenty more volunteers from all around the area.

Blanton Raking & Brushing
2024-02-17
Join us for another exciting morning of raking and brushing! And, for what I hope will be the last Ridgeline outing before we tackle the Main and West trails. We will rake storm debris from the trail and drainages. We will also cut back improperly pruned brush.
We will work from 9 to noon.
Meet at the Willamette and 52nd Trailhead Parking lot. Over flow parking is along 52nd.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2024-02-20
We will start on time at 7:00 am, but plan on arriving by 6:45. 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.

Amanda Trail
2024-02-20
We will carpool from Target on W 11th to park along Ocean Road just south of Yachats. The trailhead sits at the south end of Ocean Road. We follow the trail briefly along Hwy 1, then cross and follow a 1-mile easement to the Amanda Statue grotto. After crossing a suspension bridge the trail winds approximately 2.5 miles uphill through forest to the public parking area and Cape Perpetua covered ocean overlook where we will rest and have a snack or lunch before returning. A meal in Florence on the way back to Eugene is an option for those who are interested. At least one car will be returning directly back to Eugene by 3:30pm.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2024-02-21, 2024-03-06
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.

Salt Creek Falls
2024-02-21
Drivers need chains, bring lunch, water sitting pad…B in shape!!!!…..In recent times I never knew when the state would plow down to the falls or not…So if it’s plowed the hike will B about 3.5 mi, 5 mi if we need to park by “kiddie park”….Bergs is the best plc to rent sshoes….Happy trails

Cottage Grove
2024-02-22
We will meet at 9 a.m. at Albertsons on 30th St. in S. Eugene. It is about 25 miles south to Cottage Grove where we will park at the Cottage Grove Community Center and Library, 700 E. Gibbs Avenue. There are several walking tours with maps and descriptions available at cgchamber.com/self-guided-tours. Mostly they focus on the blocks around downtown and we will noodle around not too quickly. Plan on a restaurant lunch and in the afternoon we will visit the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum which opens at 1 and has a $2 admission fee. The trip will end after the museum and folks who want to stay and walk longer can do so.

Hiking the PCT - Bob Welch's new book "Seven Summers (And a Few Bummers)"
2024-02-23
Bob Welch’s new book “Seven Summers (And a Few Bummers): My Adventures Hiking the 2,650-Mile PCT” answers one question among many: After “just doing Oregon,” can two sixty-something brothers-in-law complete the entire Pacific Crest Trail that defeats more than half those who attempt it? Poignant, poetic, and fall-down funny, this endearing story from the award-winning Welch will help readers understand the soul of America’s iconic trail, laugh in the face of aging, celebrate friendship, and, hikers or not, consider living life with more thirst for adventure.

Spencer Butte Sunset/Moonrise
2024-02-23
UPDATE: Changing the hike to Spencer Butte. Mt. Pisgah is closed. Meet at the Spencer Butte Trailhead/Paved lot. Please arrive before the departure time to check in. Moonrise is 5:11 and sunset is 5:52 (Full Moon is the next day, Feb 24 ) We will hike the main trail to the top for moonrise. I plan for us to start down before the sunset so we are not hiking on the steps in the dark. You would have time to make it to the program at the Lodge. Or volunteer for Trail Maintenance/storm cleanup on the main trail the next morning. Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have never hiked Spencer Butte– there are 132 steps.

Pisgah East Side Loop
2024-02-23
MAY NOT HAPPEN–WATCH FOR TRAIL CLEARING OPPORTUNITIES
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 trail #2 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.
Brunch afterwards for those who choose – likely at Sunrise Cafe.

Shelter Cove snowshoe/ski
2024-02-23 00:00 - 2024-02-25 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
Lisa and Emily are co-leading this trip. We’ll be staying at Shelter Cove Resort which is located just east of Willamette Pass. We have reserved Kokanee lodges C & D, which have a wonderful view of Odell lake. Each unit has a full kitchen, a gas fireplace, and a group dining table. The 2 units are separated by an open doorway. We will share 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Towels and bedding are provided. Maximum of 14 Obsidians. The trip details state that we will leave at 9 am on Friday, Feb 23 but participants may choose to arrive later if they have their own transportation.
Activiities, including snowshoe and ski trips, will be led by group participants, some may be led by the leaders. The cost of $90 is for lodging only; bring your own breakfast and lunches. Participants will be divided into 2 food groups for dinners. Each group will prepare one dinner; the cost thereof will be handled by the group.
Obsidian members can register starting at 7:00AM on Sunday Jan. 21. Money is due within 5 days of sign up, no later than 1/26. Venmo: @Elizabeth-VanLiefde, or mail a check made out to Elizabeth Van Liefde, 43 Rockridge Drive, Eugene OR 97405. Cancellation policy: no refund unless someone takes your place.
Pre-trip planning meeting scheduled for Feb.5th, 6pm at the lodge to discuss carpooling, dinners, rooms, etc.
Drivers are needed: # of participants relies on # of available drivers (AWD and/or chains required).

West & Main Trail Raking & Brushing
2024-02-24
Join us for our last, hopefully, response to the ice storm! We will hike a little up the West and Main trails to rake and pitch storm debris from the trail and trail sides. We will work from 9 to noon.
Meet at the main Spencer Butte Trailhead parking lot, the paved lot on Willamette.

Redtop Mountain
2024-02-25
Redtop Mountain is one of the most accessible summits for ski touring in the central cascades. A steady climb at a moderate grade, and then several options for the descent. Obsidians ski this every winter. Climbing skins are needed, with alpine touring or telemark skis. Bring lunch, warm clothing, and hot drink in a thermos.

Martin to Baldy
2024-02-26
This is the alternative the Pisgah hike that was scheduled.
Starting from Martin St to Fox Hollow then east to Dillard East Trailhead then up Baldy returning the same or parallel trail route. Looks to be about 6+ miles with around 1300’ elevation gain. This is a nice out and back trail with variants.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2024-02-27, 2024-03-05
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.

Odell Overlook
2024-02-27
Nice variety of trails and views

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2024-02-28
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.

Coyote Wall
2024-03-02
This is an out & back hike on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, with scenic views every step of the way; we’ll be walking up a steady grade on a grassy knoll near the cliff edge which forms the top of Coyote Wall. We share the slope with mountain bikers, but there is a maize of trails, therefore no congestion. Views include east & west along the Columbia River & Mt. Hood. AllTrails shows a loop hike back down thru the woods, but we’ll be doing out & back.

Mt Baldy, Let It Snow
2024-03-02
Snowy Morning on steep trail. Please be on time.

Crown Z, Perkins and Pacific
2024-03-03
Sandy explora-wander of two hidden dune-lakes and beach hike to the Tahkenitch Creek firth. You need to be in the shape for this one.

Potato Hill
2024-03-06
…A good work out…This hike is very strenuous….Especially if we break trail….

U of O Ramble
2024-03-07
Meet at the Hendricks Park shelter near Summit and Floral Hill, 8:30. Anyone who prefers can join the group at 9 at the meteorite replica by the Natural History Museum Just let me know.
There are several overlapping self-guided campus tours on the free U of O app, available from apple and google. Trees, Buildings, Indigenous, Women’s and more. We will skip around through them and other sites, trying to follow different routes from the January walk.
We will spend a few hours wandering around and maybe stop for coffee, lunch or whatever. If it is rainy we can spend more time indoors.
It is OK to leave early or stay late and the trip will officially end at the EMU sometime around noon.
Suggestions: Google “Willamette meteorite” or “Gerlinger Lounge” for additional information. Visit the Knight Library site: https://researchguides.uoregon.edu/historic-knight. For information about the Lillis Hall (business college) solar glass and other architectural technology, go to https://business.uoregon.edu/about/lillis-complex. Download the U of O app.
