Mt Pisgah
2020-12-11
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 power lines.

Bus Trips Christmas Party
2020-12-12
Special Event: CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE LODGE
Saturday, December 12, 2–4 p.m.
You are invited to join us for a festive afternoon featuring refreshments, music and door prizes. This celebration of the season is open to all Obsidians, family and friends, as well as nonmember guests who have traveled with us in the past. It will be a good opportunity to renew acquaintances and meet new friends.
Questions? Call Sharon Cutsforth 541-746-4929 or Judy Garwood 541-683-5539

Marshall Island Rain Walk
2020-12-12
Convenient short drive. Rainy afternoon walk through the woods and bushy ungroomed trails along Willamette River.
➯ 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: Albertson, Santa Clara (parking lot closest to Burger King)

Thurston Hills
2020-12-13
Thurston Hills Natural Area parking lot of HWY 126 ( that’s just 2 miles east of HWY 126 / Main Street intersection.) This is a fairly new trail. Depending on signup this may work as a shuttle. The advantage of this trail is it very close in and you get a great hike in the woods.

Evening at Hileman Landing
2020-12-14
Convenient short drive. Easy evening walk through the woods and bushy trails along the Willamette River.
➯ 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: Albertson, Santa Clara (parking lot close to BurgerKing

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2020-12-15
New guidelines restrict our group size to 6. THEREFORE – UPDATE. Since many arrive before 7:30, I plan to stagger departures with no more than six in a group, probably smaller. We have had no problems spreading out.
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. 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.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2020-12-16
***NOTE: I WILL LEAD A GROUP AT 8-815 AM, SHOULD YOU BE ON THE WAIT LIST AND WANT TO GO. PLEASE EMAIL ME AT mssq@comcast.net. Darian Morray will lead another group that will not start before 830 am, since he will be arriving close to then and I will be leaving before then.
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
2020-12-16, 2020-12-23, 2020-12-30
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.

Food For Lane County hike
2020-12-18
We will divide into two groups, six each. Meet at Gate F /bridge on the south side of the Lane County Fairgrounds to walk on the Fern Ridge bike path to the Food for Lane County warehouse on Bailey Hill Road. (There are two gates (E & F) south of the events center). In years past we have carried cans but this year, I suggest a lightweight check or cash to promote our theme, “Carrying each other by feeding others.” Another option is to donate online, possibly a tribute card for the holiday season. https://foodforlanecounty.org/donate/donate-funds/tribute-card/ If questions, Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net

Midnight Lake
2020-12-19
This is a good first-of-the-season trip for intermediate skiers (it’s really not appropriate for beginners). We’ll plan on heading up to Midnight Lake via the PCT, then following the trail through the woods over to the road past Bechtel Shelter, for a nice glide back to Pengra Pass and then the parking lot. Lunch will be at either Midnight Lake or at Bechtel Shelter. Depending on conditions, it could turn into an out-and-back instead of a loop (for instance, if it’s icy under the trees). Trip will be cancelled or re-scheduled if snow conditions are inadequate.

Sutton Creek/Darko’s Hidden Cove
2020-12-20
Please arrive few minutes earlier. We will leave promptly at 8AM and drive Hwy 126 (Linslaw Park bathroom stop) and Hwy 101 to the trail-head (GPS location 44.049091, -124.130566)
From there we will hike north on the low tide beach crossing two creeks. Sutton Creek can be 2-3 ft. deep, Berry Creek can be up to 15 inches deep. Our destination is a beautiful hidden cove. After the lunch we will hike same way back, stopping at Berry Creek beach for brief litter pick-up (if is any there..).
➯ 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.
=> Due to heavy rain forecast and possible dangerous creek crossings, our December 20th hike is cancelled.
Sutton Creek/Darko’s Hidden Cove hike will be rescheduled … one of these days.

Bechtel Shelter
2020-12-20
This a good warm up trip for the season. Folks who have cross country ski experience are welcome. This is not a trip for the first timer. Trip canceled due to leader health. I will put it back on in January.

Zumwalt Slugs and Snails
2020-12-20
Convenient short drive. Rainy morning walk through the local park, good trails, muddy woods, and along the Fern Ridge Reservoir.
➯ 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.

Mt Pisgah Winter Solstice (long)
2020-12-21
Update: Jon Jost will be assistant leader. More details later about two groups/staggered departure. This will be the long hike on Trail 4 and then going up Trail 2. Look for us by my car a row or two or three down from the fee box.. Sunset is 4:37 pm. If we are surprised with clear skies, we will join a crowd of solstice hikers looking for the sun rays to light up the Mt. Pisgah Sighting Pedestal. Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions. From Mike Smith: Jupiter and Saturn both set at 6:58 pm. It is well after sunset, but I would start looking right after sunset, and yes, use binoculars.

Mt Pisgah Winter Solstice
2020-12-21
This is the shorter Mt. Pisgah Winter Solstice hike. Look for us by my car a row or two down from the fee box. Sunset is 4:37. I plan to take trail 17 to 3 then 4 up to the main trail and the summit. We will take the main trail (#1) back to the parking lot. Email me a pkcoots@gmail.com if you have questions.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2020-12-22
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.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2020-12-23, 2020-12-30
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.

Mt. Pisgah Find the Bench
2020-12-24
Update: There will be 9 of us and we be careful to social distance and not impact others. Look for me by my car 2 or 3 rows down from the feebox/main gate. We will start with a four-mile loop on the Arboretum and South Meadow Wetland Overlook, looking for benches and poignant quotes for a not too long reflection. Optional — We will then pick up the pace eventually and make our way to the top (perhaps Trail 35). Of particular interest will be benches that have connections to Obsidians: Mike Shirk’s bench by the Octopus Tree, Clarence and Dorothy Scherer, Bill Morse, Allan Coons, and Art Skach. The mileage and elevation will depend on the interest and the weather. Check out the link to the David Douglas Monument: www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/David_Douglas_Monument

Eugene Mural Walk
2020-12-25
LRichard Hughes is the Assistant Leader. ooking for something to do on this special day? An excuse to wear an elf hat or antlers? Let’s admire and learn about some of the Eugene downtown murals. We’ll meet on the 7th St Hult Center steps; hopefully, the Parcade garage will be open. There is a hand-out; bring reading glasses. We will start by walking up/down Skinner Butte, including exploring part of the brand new “round the mountain” trail. For inspiration and mural locations, see: https://www.20x21eug.com/ Meetup/Departure Location: Hult Center steps, 7th St side

Finley Wildlife Refuge
2020-12-25
We will hike the popular Mill Hill and Woodpecker Loops. Participants will manage their own transportation. Obsidian protocols for social distancing will be observed on the hike. Refer to main website page for information.

Mt Pisgah
2020-12-26
Meet by the restrooms across from the Pavilion. The plan is to take Trail 5 to Trail 56, Trail 6 to the summit (3.5 miles). On the way back we will hike down on Trail 2, Trail 4 to Trail 3, and Trail 7. I’m not sure about the total elevation but there is elevation on the return route. We can adjust if weather does not cooperate. (I didn’t include the North Trailhead in this loop)

Andrew Reasoner explora
2020-12-27
Convenient short drive. Easy explora-hike with landowner, through a maze of roads and good trails. Learn about environment and effort to restore local area.
➯ 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.

McDowell Creek/Horserock Ridge
2020-12-28
We’ll tentatively plan to hit Horserock Ridge and the bulk of our climbing first (3.7 mi, 1128 ft), and then relax amid the beautiful waterfalls of McDowell Creek Park (1.7 mi, 200 ft). Parking is sparse at Horserock Ridge trailhead and it’s good to get there early. However, depending on the weather we may reverse the order, and if it’s really wet, we will skip Horserock altogether because it’s exposed and the rocks can be slippery. Instead, we’ll hike the McDowell Creek loop twice to get a little more mileage.

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise (long)
2020-12-29
Look for us by my car a row or two or three down from the fee box. We start hiking at 2:30. Sunset is 4:42 pm and moonrise is 4:23 pm. Depending on the weather, I may change the mileage/departure time so look for an update the day before. If Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions. If there is a wait list we will try to recruit an assistant leader for a 2nd group
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. To buy an annual pass and support the trails, check out the websites for Friends of the Buford Park ($50.00) or Mt. Pisgah Arboretum. ($50.00/$40.00 for seniors).

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2020-12-29
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. Moonrise is at 4:23 and Sunset is at 4:42 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. 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. To buy an annual pass and support the trails, check out the websites for Friends of the Buford Park ($50.00) or Mt. Pisgah Arboretum. ($50.00/$40.00 for seniors).

Cape Mountain
2020-12-31
A pleasant rolling trail meanders through mossy coastal forest of Sitka Spruce, Douglass Fir and Cedar. Lets meet at the Target parking lot on West 11th. and caravan to the Dry lake trailhead 7 miles North of Florence and 2.8 mi. off of route 101. We hike the Princess Tasha Trail to the Scurvy Ridge Trail, Blue Horizon Loop and back. We may elect to have lunch on the beach at Driftwood Shores, weather permitting.

NewYear's 52nd St/Spencer Butte
2021-01-01
