The Obsidians

Red Buttes PCT 20lb Challenge
2022-07-22 00:00 - 2022-07-24 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
Backpack through an astonishing never-logged virgin forest and climb to sweeping views along the Pacific Crest Trail on this 25-mile weekend backpack loop through the Red Buttes Wilderness. Depart Friday, 4.5 hours to Shoofly Trailhead dropping a car at Horse Camp TH on the way. Hike 7 miles to camp at Cedar Flat near Azalea Lake. Saturday, hike to the Siskiyou Crest and the Pacific Crest trail traveling 11 miles atop the Red Buttes range. Camp below Red Butte. Sun 7 miles to car.

Three Fingered Jack
2022-07-23
Climb the standard South Ridge of 3 Fingered Jack. 4th and low 5th class terrain with enough scree and loose rock to make you pay attention. We will protect the spicier sections with rope. Skills required are ascending and down climbing a fixed rope on a prussik and rappelling. Reccomend boot gaiters, trekking poles, and plenty of bug reppellant. Meetup/Departure Location: Thurston Albertsons -NE corner of lot

No Name Lake
2022-07-23
The hike to No Name Lake next to Broken Top is one of Oregon’s most spectacular hikes. It offers sweeping views from Tam McArthur Rim of the Cascades and the surrounding countryside plus our destination of No Name Lake is one of Oregon’s most beautiful high alpine lakes.
We’ll start this hike at the Three Creeks Lake trailhead to Tam McArthur Rim. We’ll continue on past the rim all the way to No-Name Lake which is nestled in the crater of Broken Top Mt. We’ll return on the same route. I plan on stopping for dinner at Takoda’s in Sisters.
Please note that permits for this trailhead will not be issued until July 13th. I’ll set the maximum number of participants at 12 for now and adjust it if necessary.
Also note that because of late season snow this hike may very well be changed to a lower elevation destination.

Spencer Butte Trailhead
2022-07-23
Meet at the main (paved) Spencer Butte parking lot.
Enjoy hiking up the main trail to Spencer Butte before it gets too hot. See the new paint job on the kiosk and a bench that Obsidians did last month.
Pace Is for conversation so probably almost moderate. There are some options if you want a longer hike.

Ankeny Wildlife Refuge ride
2022-07-24
Meet at the Ankeny Hill Nature Center, 130 Ankeny Hill Rd. SE, Jefferson. We will do a loop ride counterclockwise, crossing the Willamette river at Independence, passing through Stapleton, returning via the Buena Vista Ferry and passing through Talbot and Sidney. A moderately paced ride. We will regroup from time to time so no one is left behind. Ferry fee is $1.

Lillian Falls and Klovdahl Bay
2022-07-25
This lovely hike will start at a trailhead about 20 miles up Salmon Creek Road near Oakridge. The trail takes us through magnificent old growth trees along Black Creek. Lillian Falls is 1.3 miles and has a series of cascades. The trail climbs past the falls, across a stream and on to the western shore of Waldo Lake. Trekking to the right along the shore, the relics of a failed tunnel project can be seen.
After returning to the vehicles those who like can make a short hike to see the Joe Goddard Nature Trail, another 1.6 miles

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2022-07-26, 2022-08-02
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.

Trail Maintenance
2022-07-27
For this outing we’ll continue our project from last month, painting kiosks.
Meet at the Fox Hollow Trailhead parking lot, the gravel lot across Fox Hollow from the Cascade Raptor Center.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-07-27
***NOTE***
Will be a hot day and a warm hike up (not 90+ degrees; that will be in the afternoon). Please carry enough water (minimum 1 liter) for the hike.
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.

Goat Rocks Wilderness
2022-07-27 00:00 - 2022-07-30 23:59
The Goat Rocks Wilderness has absolutely stunning wildflower meadows, unusual geology and jaw dropping views. This 4 day backpack trip will take you into it’s heart.
Day 1 – backpack 4.5 miles with 1650 elev gain.
Day 2 – day hike or backpack to Heart Lake – 2.8 miles one way +800 ft, then -1500 ft (twice that for day hike)
Day 3 – see Goat Lake as we backpack 6 miles +1700 ft then -700 ft if we start at Heart Lake or 3.5 miles with +400 then -700 ft if we did a day hike on day 2
Day 4 – backpack 4.9 miles and -1900 ft
In addition to steep, rough terrain, this trip will involve choosing how we will explore this area (day hikes vs backpack on day 3 and other side trips) and thus will require flexible and collaborative participants. Due to the small campsites, this trip will be limited to 4. All participants must be approved by the trip leader. Please call trip leader to secure your spot on the trip. 541-736-7498
For those folks that are going on to Summer Camp, you may choose to spend one more night in the Goat Rocks or make overnight plans elsewhere for July 30.
Meetup/Departure Location: 9 am Meet at Berry Patch Trailhead

Rainier Summer Camp
2022-07-31 00:00 - 2022-08-06 23:59
This is our annual outing, this year, based at Cascade Peaks RV park in Randle, Washington. The hiking areas include Rainier National Park, Goat Rock Wilderness, and Mt Adams Recreation area. The summer camp link on the home page provides a lot of information, as does the camp booklet.
**Note: participants are required to be up to date on their covid-19 vaccination shots as defined by the CDC, including booster(s) when eligible.** Booklets can be picked up at the Lodge by participants who have registered and paid: April 6, 5-6pm; April 9, 3-5pm; May 17, 7-8pm.
**Note: Please DON’T send in your registration form and payment if you’re on the wait list. Meetup/Departure Location: Various

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-08-03, 2022-08-10
CHANGE OF LOCATION. DUE TO TRAIL IMPROVEMENT WORK THIS WEDNESDAY HIKE WILL START FROM 52ND ST. TRAILHEAD Flexible start time 7:45 to 8:00 am.
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. And we are doing it again as work is being done on the segment from Martin Street.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.

Pinnacle Peak and The Castle
2022-08-03
This is a new climb for the Obsidians, so we’ll stay a little flexible. We will climb Pinnacle Peak for sure which is a 3 mile hike, then a quick ridge scramble, then a technical one-pitch rock climb with rope and harness. Because it is close, we’ll also climb either Castle or Lane Mt which are also both technical climb.
Signing up does not ensure you will be part of the trip. We may need to have a quick conversation about experience and fitness. Meetup/Departure Location: Reflection Lake, Rainier National Park

My Baldy Sunrise
2022-08-06
Sometimes it pays not to hit that snooze button. Join us!

Summer Camp Unload
2022-08-07
Summer Camp 2022 is over but there’s still a bit of work to do. I need 16 people to help unload the truck, clean equipment, and store it away for next year. It should take about 2 hours.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2022-08-09, 2022-08-16
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 0.5 miles. Do not turn left on Southpointe Dr.
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.

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2022-08-10
Moonrise is at 8:11 and sunset is 8:23. Full moon is the next day. Look for us by my car a row or two down from the fee box.. Depending on the temperature, the current plan is to take 7, “shady” 4 and 1. Optional: The shorter route of #7 and #3 to the main trail.
Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions or need to start earlier. 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.

Perseid Meteor Shower Bkpk
2022-08-10 00:00 - 2022-08-12 23:59
Day1- Afternoon Eugene departure. Drive to N Waldo/Jim Weaver trailhead. Hike approx. 2 miles and camp on rocky bench below Rigdon Butte. The site has expansive views of the entire Waldo Lake basin from which we have front row seats of the peaking Perseid meteor shower accompanied by an August Supermoon.
Day 2 – Day hike 5 miles looping through the beautiful Rigdon Lakes area which still recovers from the lasting 1996 Charlton Burn.
Day 3 – Early pack up and hike out. Back in Eugene by 2pm

Obsidian Grand Tour
2022-08-11
We’ll start at the Obsidian trailhead to follow Scott trail to Four-in-one Cone where we’ll head to the top. From there we’ll join the PCT and head South past Minnie Scott Springs for a water stop then on to Opie Dilldock Pass with a side trip to Collier Glacier viewpoint for a lunch stop. After lunch we’ll continue on the PCT to Glacier Creek Spring where we’ll again leave the trail to scramble up to Arrowhead Lake for another break and a refreshing swim. After our swim we’ll head down to Sister Springs where we’ll catch the PCT again, head past Obsidian Falls, then take the Obsidian Loop trail to the Obsidian trailhead. This is an all day hike so don’t plan on getting home early. Some of us plan on stopping at Takoda’s restaurant after the hike.
Note that the permits for this trail don’t come available until August 1st. I’ll set the maximum number of participants at 12 for now and adjust if necessary.

Diamond Peak PCT 20lb Challenge
2022-08-12 00:00 - 2022-08-15 23:59
Day 1 -Afternoon start at Trapper creek trailhead across from Odell Lake Lodge near Willamette Pass. Hike 5 miles to Diamond View Lake and dinner. Excellent possible group camp site here if conditions warrant. After dinner hike, 2.5 miles to camp at an unnamed lake with a stunning in-your-face view of Diamond Peak.
Day 2 – Late start possible if needed. Hike 7 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail with spectacular views all around to camp among a series of alpine tarns off the northeast side of Diamond Peak.
Day 3 – Early start. Hike 8 miles taking the new cutoff trail down Yoran Lake passing lovely swimmable lakes and concluding with a refreshing ford of Trapper Creek to TH.
Meetup/Departure Location: Trapper Creek Trailhead

Get Acquainted/Ribbon Trail
2022-08-13
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. 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, 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. 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

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-08-13
Check for updates! The Amazon Headwaters Trail is closed during the week for trail improvements but will be open on week ends if trail conditions are safe. It will be interesting to see the progress of the construction. Pace is moderate and/or almost moderate– possibly we would have two groups. Watch for updates about departure time. If you have time, find out about the construction of retaining walls.
www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/htmlpubs/htm07232806/page12.htm

Collard to Clear, hike & swim
2022-08-13
First Obsidians “hike and swim” event. This Mid-summer adventure will happen few miles north of Florence.
We’ll hike from Collard Lake to Clear Lake. After swimming in beautiful Clear lake and picnic lunch we’ll hike back to Collard Lake.

Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail
2022-08-14
This hike is just off Rt. 14 in Washington, and features spectacular views along the way of the Columbia River and Gorge, and surrounding mountains. It’s my favorite of 20 some trails I’ve hiked on both sides of the river – worth the extra mileage. Choice of several neat coffee houses on the way back – in Stevenson, Hood River or Cascade Locks.

Exploring Hood 4th Annual Camp
2022-08-15 00:00 - 2022-08-17 23:59
We have booked 3 sites at Still Ck campground.
Planned Hikes are:
Hood Meadows Loop: Newton Ck, Umbrella Falls, Sahalie Falls 9.7 miles 1,400 ft (Wildflowers and waterfalls)
Timberline trail: Cloud Cap to Gnarl Ridge 10 miles 2,500 ft (Views)
Tamanawas Falls 3.8 miles 500 ft
* There could be creek crossings that require caution. Hikes will be at a moderate pace with rest stops.
Cost will be $102 divided by number of participants, likely around $12. Plus carpool fees to Hood and to trailheads. Meetup/Departure Location: Zig Zag Ranger Station

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-08-17
CHANGE OF LOCATION. DUE TO TRAIL IMPROVEMENT WORK THIS WEDNESDAY HIKE WILL START FROM 52ND ST. TRAILHEAD Flexible start time 7:45 to 8:00 am.
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. And we are doing it again as work is being done on the segment from Martin Street.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. Please contact the leader if you have any questions.

Rock Climbing at Flagstone
2022-08-20
This is a day trip to Flagstone, which is a climbing area up the McKenzie. The setting is beautiful in a patch of old growth trees. It is a great place to practice lead climbing since some routes are well bolted. We will also have climbs set up for those who are new to rock climbing so they can learn basic climbing skills. In addition, we will be giving instruction on how to build a rock climbing anchor and how to clean the anchor when you’re the last person.
