Cape Perpetua
2020-11-11
We are going to explore the entire area. The firs thing we will do after arrival is take the trail to the top of the cape to get an over view and see what’s happening in the ocean. We will go back down trail cross over highway through tunnel and check out Thor’s Hole. We will follow the trail back along the Hwy to Devil’s Churn. We should have time to drop down to the beach. We will cross back over Hwy and take the trail to the giant cedar tree. At this point people can visit the visitors center or start the trip back to Eugene.

52nd Street/Spencer Butte
2020-11-11, 2020-12-09
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.

Green Island Birdwalk
2020-11-14
This is an outing sponsored by the Conservation, Science and Education Committee.
Length -up to 3 miles on gravel paths, easy pace to enjoy the birds, other wildlife and lovely restored habitats thanks to the McKenzie River Trust. This is one of three Saturdays in the fall when the Trust is offering open exploration days. Access to the property 11 AM – 3 PM. Please arrive at Shopko at 10:30 a.m.
No need to be a birder; bring binoculars if you have them. Bring water, snacks, raingear.
NOTE: Heavy rain or high wind will occasion cancellation of the outing. Meetup/Departure Location: ShopKo Coburg Rd/Chad Dr,(btwn ShopKo & Taco Bell)

Green Island Walk
2020-11-14
Length -up to 3 miles on gravel paths, easy pace to enjoy the birds, other wildlife and lovely restored habitats thanks to the McKenzie River Trust. This is one of three Saturdays in the fall when the Trust is offering open exploration days.
The leader is only a birder-wannabe, so I have not listed this trip as a bird walk, however birders welcome.
This trip it going despite the potential rain. Dress accordingly. Meetup/Departure Location: ShopKo Coburg Rd/Chad Dr,(btwn ShopKo & Taco Bell)

Eel Creek
2020-11-15, 2020-11-20
We will be traveling down Hwy 38 to Elkton. This usually a BR break plus coffee stop at the bakery. We will stop again at the Elk Reserve at Dean Creek. Hopefully to see elk and also BR break. From there we drive south of Winchester to trailhead at Eel Creek. This stretch of dunes is some of the highest in the monument. We will pickup the trail to the beach and spend time there. If the lack of rain continues we should not run into water in the deflation plane which can mean wading. We will hike north up the beach looking for a way back across. This is the exploratory part of trip as in the past this has been easily found. We will return to cars across the dunes hopefully doing a loop. If there are takers I do not cancel this trip due to weather conditions in Eugene or on the coast. I usually return through Florence. There is a 1 mile difference.

Microplastics in PNW Waters
2020-11-17
In this free online Zoom presentation, OSU’s Susanne Brander will be discussing recent research findings from her and collaborators’ labs on micro and nanoplastic occurrence in the environment and effects on aquatic organisms. This includes field work on PNW marine organisms such as rockfish and mussels, and behavioral responses of larval fish, measured in the lab, to commonly detected microplastics such as tire wear particles.
Hosted by Obsidian Diana Wheat, LBCC Biology Instructor.
Instructions including the link to this Zoom meeting will be sent by email to all participants by November 15.
Questions may be directed to scied@obsidians.org. Meetup/Departure Location: Zoom Live Online

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2020-11-17, 2020-11-24, 2020-12-01
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.

Mt Baldy from Martin St
2020-11-18
A section of the Ridgeline Trail system that isn’t as heavily used as the parts nearer Spencer Butte. It also offers alternate paths so it is not a straight out and back. Our pace will be moderate.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2020-11-18, 2020-11-25, 2020-12-02
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.

Larison Rock
2020-11-21
This is a short hike with a significant climb, especially in the first two miles. The trail is generally in good shape, and the rock is where we have lunch.
Bring appropriate gear for a November hike.
Navigation instruction will be given to those interested, although the hike itself is straightforward. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Cook's Ridge/Gwynn Creek
2020-11-22
We park at Cape Perpetua and start the hike from there. The hike leads up through old growth to the ridge line and return the parking area along Gwen Creek. There is the opportunity to visit visitor center or cross over to Devils Churn. We come and go through Florence.

Thurston Hills
2020-11-22
Energizing Sunday Mid-morning hike close to town.
Meet at Thurston Hills Natural Area parking lot of HWY 126 ( that’s just 2 miles east of HWY 126 / Main Street intersection.)
➯ 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.

Turkey Trimming
2020-11-26
For a number of years, I have led this in-town, annual hike the day after Thanksgiving. Due to covid-19 restrictions on gatherings this year, I decided to lead it Thanksgiving Day instead. It will be a fairly fast paced hike (not a saunter) and we will be climbing some huffy-puffy hills! This year’s route: we will start by going up steep 28th St., across to N. Shasta Loop, on Spring and Firland, and using a secret trail, back to 43rd and to the start. ! There are no rest rooms along the route. Be sure to bring a mask, wear it at all times, and read the Obsidian covid-19 rules on our home page. Also, in case you’re wondering, Governor Brown’s restrictions effective 11/18 do NOT affect this hike. Her comments: “We strongly encourage outdoor recreation and camping, and as such, our parks and playgrounds are staying open. Breathing fresh, if not chilly air, will help us all.”

Shotgun Creek
2020-11-26
Scenic short drive via McKenzie View Dr., Mohawk, Marcola.
Watch the forecast and dress in layers.
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)

Mt Pisgah
2020-11-27
MEET at the North Trailhead. (Turn left — not right to the main gate/pavilion) Required to have a face covering. Please read the COVID guidelines on our webpage. We will take Trail 3 to Trail 4, then DOWN to Trail 2 and then UP 800 ft elevation on the east side. It will take around two hours and 15 minutes at a moderate space to get to the top. I like this route because we see fewer people, the trail is wider in some sections and we aren’t hiking under the powerlines.

Trail Maintenance
2020-11-28
We don’t have a project yet. But, we’re certain we’ll be doing some trail maintenance.
Meet at the main Willamette Street Trailhead parking lot, the paved on Willamette.

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise (long)
2020-11-29
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 4:35 and moonrise is 4:24. The full moon is the next day. We will take Trail 7 to Trail 4 DOWN to Trail 2 and then up 800 ft elevation on the east side. Look for us by my car, one or two rows down from the fee box. 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
2020-11-29
This is the shorter Sunset/Moonrise Hike. We’ll leave from the main parking
go up Trail 17 to 3 to 4 to 1 to the top. We may see the longer hike group at the top. Sunset is at 4:35 PM and moonrise is 4:24 PM so weather permitting we will see both. We’ll come back down Trail 1. Look for my car, one or two rows down from the fee box.

Middle Fork of Willamette
2020-11-29
Golden age pass works. This is an easy hike along the North fork of the Willamette. The trail will be wet and can be muddy in places. It is a nice walkthrough the woods along the river.

Warm Cap Drop Off
2020-12-04
The walk has been canceled. If you did not receive an email from me, please let me know at jbjacobsen@comcast.net .
You can still drop off the caps between 1:00 and 2:00 at the South Eugene Parking Lot. Joella and I will be there to safely take your donation.
You are welcome to walk on your own to Hendricks Park in small groups (no more than six). Please though no large gathering in the parking lot. Find someone to hike with and take off. You can also drop your donation off at Joella Ewing’s front door at 2384 Washington Street. Thanks so much.

Lower Hardesty Trails
2020-12-05
Please read the Covid-19 protocols on the Obsidian website prior to the hike. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Participants will manage their own transportation.
We will begin our hike at the Lower Hardesty trailhead just off Hwy 58. The hike will be in the shape of an upside-down “Y.” We’ll hike due south about 2.2 miles, gaining 1300 feet in the process, and turn around when we hit Forest Road 5835. Then we’ll retrace our steps back to the north, and branch off to the southwest when we cross a faint, abandoned forest road at about the 3.4 mile mark. This narrows to an unnamed hiking path which is fairly level. We’ll have lunch at about the 4.7 mile mark, then return to the junction and continue north to the parking lot. The cumulative elevation gain is about 1625 feet. This hike does not have any views, but is a pleasant, nearby alternative to hikes on the Ridgeline or Mt.Pisgah trail systems. The pace will be moderate, so we get a decent workout.

Gold Lake Snowshoe
2020-12-06
First snow shoe of the year. If the snow disappears I will convert this to a hike. We will travel up Hwy 58 to Gold Lake snow park. This trip is suitable for beginners. It a good warm up to make sure we have all the gear we need and it is in working order for the season. This is a road trip leading to Gold Lake shelter we will return the way we came. If you are planning on a season in the snow you will need a snow park permit. This can be obtained at Bergs Ski shop on 13th Ave. Most outdoor shops will sell these. I think the cost is $25.00 for the season and $5.00 for a day pass. You can rent snowshoes packages at Bergs also. If you are new to snowshoeing please practice putting SS on and off at home several times. You get very cold in the snow. Call me with any questions. 541-953-7046

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2020-12-08
New guidelines restrict our group size to 6. THEREFORE – this weekly hike will have a start at 7:30 AM and another (final) start at 7:45 AM. We need some of you to arrive by 7:30 – and leave promptly. This week’s Assistant Leader, Janet J., will leave with the first people who arrive. The next group will leave with Jorry R. no later than 7:45. This way we will stagger the starts and have no more than 6 in either group. (It is common for this hike that we have at least two groups hiking at different paces.)
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.
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
2020-12-09
New guidelines restrict our group size to 6. THEREFORE – this weekly hike will have a early start at 8 AM and a final start no later than 8:30 AM. We need some of you to arrive between 8 and 8:10 – and leave promptly. Assistant leader, Janet, will leave with the first 5 people. The next 5 people will leave after 8:15 with Kay acting as sweep, leaving no later than 8:30 AM. This way we will stagger the starts and have no more than 6 in either group. 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.
