The Obsidians

Beach Clean Up with SOLVE
2022-09-17
Please join Obsidians, SOLVE and thousands of volunteers this fall as we clean up litter and marine debris from the entire Oregon coast! The Obsidians will clean up the area between Berry Creek and Baker Beach trail. Meet at Target W11, Eugene and carpool to the Baker Beach trailhead, just few miles north of Florence, where the leader will provide trash bags, gloves, and a short orientation. We will be done with work by 1PM.
Optional after the work-party lunch in restaurant in north Florence.

Upper Alpine trail hike
2022-09-17
Last segment of Alpine Trail finishing near Alpine ridge.

Pisgah East Side Loop
2022-09-16
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 and #4 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.

Three Sisters PCT Section Hike
2022-09-15 00:00 - 2022-09-18 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
This is Oregon’s finest Section hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, a four-day 30-mile stretch through spectacular alpine lava flows as the South Sister slips away to reveal the Middle and then the North.
The proposed hike is one-way northbound and will need a shuttle. On the way out, we’ll drive over Mackenzie Pass and leave a vehicle at Lava Camp Trailhead then continue around through Bend to Elk Lake. At hike’s conclusion, swing back through Elk Lake and head home to Eugene via Willamette Pass.
The hike itself is straightforward. Hike up to the PCT and go North. Day 1 – Elk Lake TH 6 miles to Sisters Mirror Lake. Day 2 – PCT Northbound 9 miles crossing Wickiup Plain and passing S Sister to Chambers Cr/Reese Lk. Day 3 – PCT Nobo 8 miles with lunch at Sisters Spring and Obsidian Falls to camp on Opie Dillock Pass. Day 4 – PCT Nobo 7 miles passing the Ahalapam Cinder Field and Yapoah Crater to the finish at Lava Camp TH.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-09-14
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.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2022-09-13, 2022-09-06
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 trail head is on your left in about ½ mile. 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.

Divide & Notch Lakes "Love A Lake"
2022-09-13
We follow the trail past Notch Lake and large patches of Huckleberry on the way to Divide Lake. The ridge has occasional views of Diamond Peak and the Salt Creek forested valley. Mt. Yoran will appear and we contour around to Divide Lake which can reflect 3 peaks from its shores. Upon arrival we will have lunch then check the area for trash and clean the fire pits before heading back. On the return trip we will stop at Notch Lake for huckleberries before cleaning the campsites along Notch Lake. This will be a moderately paced hike 2-3 mph.

Sunset Bay, Cape Arago & more
2022-09-11
We’ll hike Sunset Bay to Cape Arago loop and explore Yoakam Point.
Very good trails. Weather will be good in mid-60s, winds SW at 10 to 15 mph and slight chance of shower(s).
DUE TO FIRES RELATED SMOKE, TRIP IS CANCELED

Six Lakes Loop
2022-09-11
Fantastic lakes in Three Sister Wilderness. 1st class swimming opportunities.
From 43.903909, -121.777594 hike 4 miles north on NFDR 4628-162 to Six lakes TH.
Hike Six lakes trail # 14 and Senoj Lake trail # 14.1, loop
On Six lakes trail section will see Blow Lake and Doris Lake on R. On Senoj Lake trail section will see Senoj Lake on R, Williamson Mountain (We will scramble 330 ft up to 6254 ft) on L, and Lucky Lake on R.
I called the Elk Leak Resort and learned that the lodge near our trailhead and two campsites were being prepared to evacuate due to the approaching fire. According to the source, apart from the fact that the entire area is heavily smoky, strong winds are expected on Sunday. >>> SORRY, THE TRIP IS CANCELED

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-09-10
We will start by taking the Headwaters trail at the end of Martin St/ Erin Noble Headwaters Park officially renamed by City Council in 2016. It is very short side trail that is part of the Ridgeline Trail System taking us the Amazon Headwater Trail that is being improved. It is interesting to see how the construction is progressing. The pace is moderate and/or almost moderate– possibly we would have two groups once we reach Fox Hollow. You can head down from the summit as fast as you need.
Early start is for heat and to impact fewer people on the trail.

Matthieu Lakes Hike & Chill
2022-09-10
This is a nice hike on the PCT and old Skyline trails to two of my favorite mountain lakes. We will take an hour or so at each lake to chill: relax, take in the views, chat, walk around the lake, read, sketch, snack, wade or swim. Bring a book, a sketchbook, swimwear, etc., as you prefer. Please wear good hiking shoes, and be sure to bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks, sunscreen and hat, plus something warm and waterproof to put on if it becomes windy or showery.
PLEASE ARRIVE AT THE MEETING PLACE 10 MINUTES EARLY so that we can get organized and depart promptly at 8:00am. We’ll drive up McKenzie Hwy (126), stop at the ranger station in McKenzie Bridge for a bathroom break, and proceed up old McKenzie Hwy (242) to Lava Camp Trailhead. The road into the trailhead is a half mile of dirt and potholes. We will hike the 3 miles to S. Matthieu Lake at a steady, relaxed pace. After chilling there, we will gather to hike (~ ¾ mile) down to N. Matthieu Lake. After more chilling, we will regather and hike the 2.3 miles back out to our cars. My guess is that we will return to Springfield by 8 pm.
Email me if you need directions or have questions. yoergerkl@gmail.com

Get Acquainted/Ribbon Trail
2022-09-10
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

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2022-09-08
Moonrise is at 7:17 pm and sunset is 7:35. ) Look for us by my car a row or two down from the fee box..The current plan is to take 7, 4 and 1 with an optional shorter route of #7 and #3 to the main trail. (Full moonrise is two days later at 8:07
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.

Fuji Mountain
2022-09-08
We will follow the Fuji Mt. trail which begins off of the Waldo Lake Rd. We hike 3 miles to Birthday Lake for a water and snack break. From Birthday Lake we climb another 3 miles to the summit of Fuji Mt. for lunch and views of the surrounding Cascades and Waldo Lake. If weather or visibility is marginal we will forego the summit and will make an 11 mile loop instead following the South Waldo Trail. Features will include Upper Island Lake and several tree carvings before heading back on the Mt Ray and Gold Lake trails back to the car. This is a moderately paced hike of 2-3mph.

Womens Kayak Overnight
2022-09-07 00:00 - 2022-09-09 23:59
We will be be camping at a group campsite at Beverly Beach State Park for two nights: Sept 7 and Sept 8.
We plan to kayak three days::
Day 1- Cleawox Lake
Day 2- Salmon River (near Cascade Head)
Day 3- Drift Creek
Your boat must be at least 10 ft. but 12 ft boats are preferred.
Cost: Est. $18 per person. Based on the cost of the campsite, shared by the group, (est. 10 people) plus $2 per person trip fee-for members, $10 per person trip fee for non-members. Payable on the day of departure to the leader.
Carpooling is strongly encouraged as we are limited to 6 cars at the campsite
Details on meals are below

30th & Spring to Hendricks Park
2022-09-07
This is an evening after work hike. The pace will be moderate, but can be adjusted if needed. Plan on meeting at 5:50 p.m. for a 6:00 p.m. departure. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Meetup/Departure Location: 30th and Spring St trailhead.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-09-07
BACK TO MARTIN STREET !!
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.

Bridge and Bald Hill
2022-09-04
We will park on the west edge of the OSU campus and meander along Arnold Way, through a covered bridge making our way to Bald Hill Park. At the park we will do a loop to the top and return to campus. Some folks may stop in Monroe for refreshments on the way home.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-09-03
The Amazon Headwaters Trail formally opened September 3, 2005 at a cost $140,000 with $50,000 coming from a grant by the state’s Recreational Trails Program. We will be able to see the recent repair work to widen a section of the trail. We will start by taking the Erin Noble Headwaters trail at the end of Martin St. to the usual start of the Amazon Trail. It is very short side trail that is part of the Ridgeline Trail System and fun to see the connection.The pace is moderate and/or almost moderate– possibly we would have two groups once we reach Fox Hollow. You can head down from the summit as fast as you need.

Maiden Peak
2022-09-02
We’ll park at Maiden Peak Trail head #3681 near Gold Lake and hike 5.8 miles to the top of Maiden Peak. It starts with a gentle grade, gets steeper with a stretch of rubble rock near the top. After a break and view, we’ll descend 3 miles and go south on the PCT for .7 miles to Maiden Peak Shelter, more relaxing and lunch. The final 3.5 miles will be downhill to the parking lot.
IF SMOKE IS AN ISSUE, I WILL CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE. Fingers are crossed for a good trip day.
I won’t respond to email or calls from August 21 – 28th.

52nd to Fox Hollow
2022-08-31
Evening after-work hike. Meet at the 52nd & Willamette trailhead by 5:50 pm for a 6pm departure. This is a quick out and back work out. We’ll turn around at Foxhollow. If you aren’t familiar with location or have questions, please call or text me.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-08-31
BACK TO MARTIN STREET!!!
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.

Kiosk Painting
2022-08-31
We will continue our beautification projects from the last couple of months by painting the kiosk, post, and bikerack at the Willamette and 52nd trailhead.
Meet at the Willamette and 52nd Trailhead parking lot, the gravel lot on Willamette. This is a small parking lot and if full you can park along 52nd.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2022-08-30
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 05. 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.

Lils Lake "Love A Lake" Hike
2022-08-29
Besides being a beautiful hike passing many lakes, this Love a Lake stewardship activity hike will be a chance for participants to help remove any trash from around Lils and Hidden Lakes. Lots of helping hands makes quick work.
Because the Trapper creek bridge is still out, the group will start by doing a short bushwhack through the woods on the other side of Trapper Creek to intersect the Whitefish trail which connects to the Yoran Lake Trail. Please bring sturdy gloves to pick up garbage. Leader will provide garbage bags to carry out trash.

The Twins
2022-08-28
This hike rises gently through the forest before arriving at the base of a cinder hill, with a switchback or two to a dazzling view of Waldo Lake and the Cascade peaks. We’ll admire the views here, then proceed along the saddle to a lunch spot atop the south Twin summit, with a 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks and lakes. After lunch, there’s a short scramble down the sandy/cinder hill (poles might be helpful) to a trail that loops around to join the trail we came in on, and then back to the trailhead.
Update concerning the Cedar Creek Fire: if the Twins trail is still open, I’ll probably plan on doing the hike as scheduled. It sounds like most days the smoke has been going off toward the east, and views have actually been pretty good. If it seems too smoky on the day of the hike, I’ll suggest an alternate hike of similar length/elevation gain.
Note: I’ll be out of town and without cell coverage Aug. 22-26. I’ll try to respond to phone messages/emails after that.

FoxHollow to Mt Baldy
2022-08-24
Evening, after-work hike. Meet us at Foxhollow trailhead parking lot by 5:50 pm for a 6pm departure. Fairly flat until the Mt Baldy portion. If you aren’t familiar with the trail or have questions, please call or text me. Meetup/Departure Location: Fox Hollow trailhead parking lot

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-08-24
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.
When hike is completed but you still want another 350 ft. elevation gain, hike up to the Blanton summit.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2022-08-23
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.
