The Obsidians

Spencer Butte from Fox Hollow
2021-07-11
Start early to avoid the heat and crowds. The Tie Trail is open on week-ends so we can see the continuing repair work. The hike takes around 2 hours round trip Meetup/Departure Location: Fox Hollow parking lot

OCT: Depoe Bay to Newport
2021-07-11 00:00 - 2021-07-13 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) explores Oregon’s dynamic edge, a resource-rich environment that has attracted explorers for centuries and into today. The focus is on beach walking, utilizing lesser-traveled side roads and trails. Hiking next to Hwy 101 will be avoided as much as possible. The hike is intended to be enjoyed with a daypack and then return to a central location for tent camping. We will be car shuttling between the start and end locations each day. This trip is exploratory; flexibility is a must. Obsidian Covid protocols will be in place. The trip leader is vaccinated.
This trip is a 3-day, 18-mile section hike of the OCT between Depoe Bay and Newport. Our route will explore the middle area of this section on the first day, the northern part on the second, and the southerly part on the third day. We will be camping at the Beverly Beach State Park Group Camp #2. Optional: there will be ample time for additional beach exploration of 5 miles.
SCHEDULE:
Day 1: Sunday: At least 2 miles of hiking today with an option for more. All participants should meet at the departure location and we will explore the Yaquina Head Lighthouse & Natural Area. About 3:30 pm, we will drive a short distance to Beverly Beach State Park and setup in a group camping area. That afternoon and evening, we can beach walk between Beverly Beach and an outcrop before Yaquina Head (approx. 5 miles round trip), going any further is dependent upon tides and weather.
Day 2: Monday: 7 miles of hiking today. In the morning, we shuttle north to Depoe Bay and explore a 1.5-mile section of the coast, between Pirate Cove and just south of Deport Bay, making a stop at the whale watch center, and possibly another whale-related building. Then we drive south a short distance south to the Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint to park. After a few hundred feet of highway walking we turn onto Otter Crest Loop, a low-use, one-way, secondary road that offers great views of the rugged coast several hundred feet below along with coastal woods. Our route will take us to Cape Foulweather & the Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint area where the road descends to the Devil’s Punchbowl. Near the Punchbowl we will return to the sand and walk to Beverly Beach State Park. Optional: We have the rest of the day to explore or possibly visit Newport’s waterfront in the evening.
Day 3: Tuesday: 6 miles total. In the mid-morning, we will break camp. To avoid an unsightly two-mile stretch of 101 we will arrange shuttles, then start at the Agate Beach Recreation Area in Newport. We will explore north along Agate Beach, next to the Big Creek, before continuing south to the historic Nye Beach. At Nye Beach, we ascend to neighborhood streets and continue another mile and a half to the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. We end our trip at the base of the lighthouse overlooking the beautiful Yaquina Bay Bridge. We should return to Eugene in the late afternoon.
ADDITIONAL:
FOOD: Bring all of your food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks).
CLOTHING: Dress for the weather; it can be cool on at coast in the summer or have full sun. Plan on small creek crossings and getting your feet wet.
EQUIPMENT: Tent and a small camp stove etc.
CAMPGROUND: Our group camp is partially in the trees. We might hear some highway noise. There are picnic tables. Flush toilets and showers in the campground (check the State Park website for the current situation). Bring earplugs, shower shoes, and items that help you to be comfortable.
DRIVERS: Drivers needed, we need at least 2, possibly 3 drivers who will shuttle between start and end locations.
VEHICLE FEE: Trip fees pay for a total of 5 vehicles at the campground, any additional cars need to pay $7/night.
PASSES: Bring your state park and federal park passes (Yaquina Head is managed by the BLM)
DEPARTURE LOCATION: Participants are responsible for getting to the Newport, Oregon, area, and return transport. We will meet Sunday, noon (12pm) at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area Interpretive Center parking lot. The Group leader will confirm with participants one week before the trip about the departure location.
PAYMENTA). Total of $25/person; $23/person to the trip leader) includes 2 nights of campground fees, firewood, and *should* cover all cars, the Obsidian trip fee is $2/person.B). Pay the trip leader on the first day of the trip.

3 fingered Jack Loop
2021-07-12
This is a loop hike that is shown in Sullivan’s 2020 Central Cascades book. It heads north from the Santiam Pass PCT trailhead before leaving the maintained trail to hike past Martin lake then joining the Old Summit trail 4014 to hike south past Booth lake then Square Lake where it then heads back west to our parking area. Almost all of this hike is within the 2003 B & B Fire so you’ll get lots of sun but also great views. I’ve rated this hike difficult as the 1 mile off trail section is a very steep scramble through a dense forest. If the day’s hot enough we’ll have a refreshing swim at Square lake. I suspect that some of our group will stop at Takoda’s in Rainbow after the hike.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2021-07-13
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.

Fox Hollow to Spencer Butte
2021-07-14
Meet at Fox Hollow trail head parking lot across from the Bird Sanctuary on Fox Hollow Rd.
This is an evening conditioning hike. It’s a bit challenging if you’ve not hiked it before, please contact me.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2021-07-14
The name is the same but the path is different! Because of the City’s work to improve the Tie Trail our path to the top of the butte is closed. Instead of going up the Tie trail we’ll turn left at Fox Hollow and take the lower trail to reach Dillard Road. At the Dillard Trailhead we’ll take the right hand trail to reach the summit of Mt Baldy. The mileage and elevation given is based on this route. There are options for extending or making variations to this route. Any changes will be at the discretion of the leader.
THAT’S ALL I AM PLANNING TO DO, BUT IF OTHERS WISH TO GO TO SPRING AND BACK, THAT IS FINE. JUST LET ME KNOW.
Every Wednesday for several years we’ve done 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.

Oregon Dunes
2021-07-15
Hike thru the dunes to beach, eat lunch on beach or creek….This is a loop trail…See Bill Sulivan coast hiking book

E2C Kayak Dexter to Jasper
2021-07-15
We will kayak on the Willamette from Dexter to Jasper, class 2, for a total of 8 river miles. The rapids are fairly small and straight forward but you should be comfortable in class 2 water. Bring a lunch as we will stop mid day.
We will meet at the parking area across the street from the Jasper Store and coordinate the shuttles from the there (Jasper Store-36763 Jasper -Lowell Rd). This trip is part of the Eugene to Crest (E2C) series; see the May Bulletin for additional information about this project. Meetup/Departure Location: Jasper Store

Buck Bridge to Trail Bridge Res
2021-07-17
Cool off with a hike in old growth forest along the beautiful McKenzie River. This will be a moderately fast paced hike. Note – There are a few sections of the trail that are narrow with fairly steep drop offs.

E2C Tire Mountain west
2021-07-17
BIG MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL WOULD NOT BE SAFE TO BE ON THE TRAIL WITH LOTS OF BIKES. We will meet at the Pisgah Public Market in Pleasant Hill. Many of you may have done Tire Mountain from the other side and wondered where the rest of the trail went. Here’s you chance to find out. Starting from the west we will be just a few steps away from another part of the E2C–Winberry Divide.
Scouted the trail on 7/12. The Forest Service is nearing completion a new bridge which Carla and I crossed. Poles came in handy in some parts of the trail. This is mainly a biking trail and some switch-back turns can be steep and slippery.

Canyon Creek Meadows
2021-07-17
The trailhead to the hike is a bit of a drive but the reward is a beautiful loop hike to a spectacular viewpoint with the added plus of a herd of mountain goats often seen in the area. The last time I did this hike the road was in poor condition but I’ve heard it’s been improved since then. Even though this is a relatively short hike with a moderate elevation gain I’ve rated it difficult as there is a challenging and steep scramble the last 1/2 mile to get to the viewpoint. This is an all day trip so don’t plan on getting home early especially if you join us at Takoda’s restaurant after the hike.

Crescent Mountain
2021-07-18
When Oregon Wild asked me what my favorite outdoor place in Oregon was, I couldn’t give them an answer, but I told them the meadows up on Crescent Mountain in summer are certainly on the list.
The wildflowers may be past prime, but they should still be present. The view from the top to the Cascade Crest is superb, and the woods below have their own charm and flowers. The hike is actually slightly downhill for the first mile and then climbs steadily to the meadows, 1400’ in 2 miles. There is another climb to the summit from the north end of the meadows. We will have lunch on the summit and then return the way we came. Current weather models do not show anything awful coming, but expect warm temperatures with a lot of exposure. We should be back between 4 and 5, maybe sooner. It is a weekend. If a group wants to go to Takoda’s afterward (or the Blueberry Patch), that is an option

Spencer Butte from Fox Hollow
2021-07-18
The Tie Trail is open on week-ends so we can see the continuing repair. We should have a shady ascent and reach the top by 7:45. Sunset is at 8:50 so we plenty of time to avoid hiking back to our cars in the dark. Moonrise is 3:22 pm. Meetup/Departure Location: Fox Hollow parking lot

Chambers Lake
2021-07-19
This is a hike to Camp Lake as described in Sullivan’s Central Cascades book. This is a long hike through a 2012 burn area before reaching the beautiful Camp lake nestled between the South and Middle Sisters. Last year the higher elevations were mostly covered with snow making the hike even more of a challenge however I think this is one of the most scenic sections of the Three Sisters Wilderness. If the snow has melted around the lake I might go for a swim. If you’d like to join me, bring water shoes. After the hike we’ll stop for dinner in Sisters.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2021-07-20
The name is the same but the path is different! Because of the City’s work to improve the Tie Trail our path to the top of the butte is closed. Instead of going up the Tie trail we’ll continue to follow the Ridgeline Trail east and complete the Dillard trails loop
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.

Women's Coast Kayak
2021-07-20 00:00 - 2021-07-21 23:59
I’m leading this year’s women’s kayak/canoe trip over to the coast. Within 5 days of signing up, send a check payable to me for $10 for the launch fee for Drift Creek; mail to Lana Lindstrom, PO Box 5506, Eugene 97405. Both days are on flat water, but we will be paddling both upstream against the little bit of current (but with the tide) and downstream. On Wed, we will paddle across the Alsea River, about a 10 minute crossing with potential wind to get into Drift Creek. In general, we’ll be paddling fairly steadily for about 1.5-2 hours, lunch, and then drift back. It’s not a difficult paddle, but one can’t lolly gag like one can do on a lake. If you have any questions as to your ability or your boat, call me before signing up – 541-683-1409. Feel free to share this e-mail with other women boaters.
Cancellations: no refund unless someone takes your place.
The details:
Both days we’ll launch around 10AM; both paddling days are about 3 hours long including a lunch break. Some women will probably go further upstream than others.
On Tuesday, July 20 we will paddle the North Fork of the Siuslaw River, launching at Bender Landing and going upstream. Florence area. Lane County permit required.
Tuesday night we’ll camp at a commercial campground on the Alsea River, 4 miles from Waldport. There’s an extra fee for that – about $10-15 per person. If you just want to come over for either day or stay elsewhere, that’s fine too. Just let me know so I reserve an appropriate # of camp spots. Bring your own dinners and breakfasts or money to eat out.
Wed, July 21. Paddle up Drift Creek. Return home.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2021-07-21
The name is the same but the path is different! Because of the City’s work to improve the Tie Trail our path to the top of the butte is closed. Instead of going up the Tie trail we’ll turn left at Fox Hollow and take the lower trail to reach Dillard Road. At the Dillard Trailhead we’ll take the right hand trail to reach the summit of Mt Baldy. The mileage and elevation given is based on this route. There are options for extending or making variations to this route. Any changes will be at the discretion of the leader.NOTE: Flexible departure time from 8:15-8:30.
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.) 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 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
2021-07-21

Oregon Rocks Walk
2021-07-21
Take a short walk to the Muesum of Natural and Cultural History to meet Marli Miller, U of O prefessor and author of Oregon Rocks

Richardson Park moonwalk
2021-07-22
Moonshine hike along the Fern Ridge Reservoir. Easy paved path.
Meet at West Kirk Park parking-lot. 44.12096, -123.30026

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2021-07-23
Look for us by my car, two or three rows down from the fee box at the gate. The full moonrise is at 9:07 pm and the sunset is at 8:45pm. We will take Trail 17, 7, and 4 to the main trail. If the weather cooperates, we can linger for the moonrise. You will need another layer of clothing and a flashlight for last part of the hike on the way down.
If you would like a longer hike, let Dave Cooper know you would like to lead it.

Divide Lake
2021-07-23
Early start to beat the heat. Divide Lake sits on a saddle between Yoran Peak and Diamond Peak. To the lake is 8 miles and 1200′ elevation gain which rates as moderate. If the heat allows, we will continue another .8 miles (400′) to the PCT for views into eastern Oregon (weather permitting). Those who wish may remain at the lake, relax or swim, then hike down with the others.

Diamond Peak Loop
2021-07-23 00:00 - 2021-07-25 23:59
Day 1 -Afternoon start at Trapper creek trailhead near Odell Lake Lodge at Willamette Pass. Hike approx. 5 miles to Diamond View lake have dinner. Excellent possible group camp site here if conditions warrant. After dinner hike, 2.5 miles to lovely camp spot at unnamed lake with great view of Diamond Peak.
Day 2 – Late start possible if needed. Hike 3 miles to Maiden lake off South ridge of Diamond Peak and camp. Excellent group site at West end a bit above lake. 1 mile round trip to top of Diamond Rockpile for lunch suggested. Also swim, fish or lounge at lake.
Day 3 – Early start. Hike est. 10 miles return along PCT below Diamond Peak with spectacular views all around concluding with cutoff down Yoran Lake trail past a number of lovely lakes and ford of Trapper Creek to TH.
Carpooling is recommended as the trailhead parking is limited.

Cowhorn Mountain
2021-07-24
This is an exploratory trip as I haven’t actually been to the summit of Cowhorn Mt but I’ve always wanted to. We’ll take the route from Timpanogas Lake as described in Sullivan’s latest Central Cascades book except I plan on going in a clockwise direction. A stop for swimming in one of the lakes is a possibility so bring water shoes. After the hike the more hungry of our group will stop in either Oakridge or Pleasant Hill for dinner. This will be an all day trip so plan on getting home late.

Annual Beach Barefoot Hike
2021-07-25
Join me on my Annual Obsidian barefoot hike. ➳We are designed to walk barefoot but evolved to shoes wearing creatures. Barefoot walking is candid way to feel the earth under your feet. There are many health benefits and some risks associated with going barefoot. Please use common sense. Carry sandals or (and) thick socks and use in case you are unable to handle sand under your feet. This year we will start at Baker beach and hike north to the Darko’s Hidden Cove. After the snack break…same way back.
Let’s walk the beach!

Spencer Butte from Fox Hollow
2021-07-25
Start early to avoid the heat and crowds. The Tie Trail is open on week-ends allowing us to see the progress on the trail resurfacing. If you need a longer hike, I suggest adding the Dillard loop after the hike.
The Fox Hollow trailhead parking area is across from the Raptor Center. Meetup/Departure Location: Fox Hollow trailhead parking area

OCT: Newport to Waldport
2021-07-25 00:00 - 2021-07-27 23:59
NOTE: THE DEPARTURE LOCATION HAS BEEN UPDATED: (Coordinates: 44.6009, -124.0652) South Beach State Park, Day Use Parking Lot. Participants are responsible for getting to the Newport, Oregon, area, and return transport. Meet Sunday, noon (12pm).
The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) explores Oregon’s dynamic edge, a resource-rich environment that has attracted explorers for centuries and into today. This section hike is intended to be enjoyed with a daypack and then return to a central location for tent camping. The focus is on beach walking, utilizing lesser-traveled side roads and trails. Hiking next to Hwy 101 will be avoided as much as possible. We will be car shuttling between the start and end locations each day. This trip is exploratory; flexibility is a must. Obsidian Covid protocols will be in place. The trip leader is vaccinated.
This trip a 3-day, 19-mile section hike of the OCT between Newport and Waldport. We will be tent camping at the South Beach State Park group camp. The majority of this trip is beach walking. There will be several bridge crossings on pedestrian walkways.
SCHEDULE:
Day 1: Sunday – At least 3-6 miles of hiking today. All participants should meet at the departure location in Newport. Our day will begin at noon so bring your lunch or plan on grabbing a bite to eat. The time in afternoon is up to you: visit the aquarium, explore the local beach, drive to downtown or walk into the town via the bridge. The trip leader plans to walk over the bridge to the Maritime Museum (in the downtown area), then returning by the bridge to the South Beach area, via Jetty Road and trails to our group camp. We cannot check into the group camp until 4pm. The rest of the evening is free time to explore and a beach walk.
Day 2: Monday – 8 Miles of beach walking today. After making a quick car shuttle run, we will depart camp as a group and walk south on the beach, past the picturesque Beaver Creek at Brian Booth State Park, and continue just beyond to the Seal Rock State Recreation Site where our car shuttle will be waiting. Late that afternoon will return to camp, enjoy a shower, and have dinner at a restaurant in Newport (provided this is a safe activity). The restaurant is optional.
Day 3: Tuesday – Today, we walk 8 miles. In the morning, we break camp and drive to Seal Rock State Recreation Site to begin the walk. There are two rock outcroppings near Seal Rock that will impede our hike so we will need to walk for several hundred feet on Hwy 101 and then on side streets for about 1 mile then return to the sand. Our walk on the beach will continue to the community of Bayshore (just north of Waldport) where we will go inland and over to the Alsea Bay Bridge and cross on a pedestrian path. On the other side, we can take water and restroom breaks at the interpretive center. If time, and hunger levels, allow we will stop at a local cafe or drive a short distance to Yachats for a meal. Depending on the tide we will walk on the beach or a side street to the Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site where we will end the trip.
PAYMENT
A). Total of $25/person; $23/person to the trip leader) includes 2 nights of campground fees, firewood, and *should* cover all cars, the Obsidian trip fee is $2/peson.
B). Pay the trip leader on the first day of the trip.
ADDITIONAL:
Food: Bring all of your food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks).
Clothing: Dress for the weather; it can be cool on at coast in the summer or have full sun. Plan on small creek crossings and getting your feet wet.
Equipment: Bring your tent and a small camp stove etc.
Camping: Our group camp has limited shade. We might hear some residual highway noise. There are picnic tables. Flush toilets and showers are available in the campground but you might have to walk a few minutes. Bring earplugs, shower shoes, and items that help you to be comfortable. Always a good idea to bring an ample supply of quarters for the shower.
Drivers: Drivers needed, we need 2 or 3 drivers who will shuttle.
Passes: Bring your state park and federal park passes.

Brice Creek
2021-07-26
This hike will start at Cedar Creek trail head on Brice Creek. We’ll go upstream with a stop at Lund Park. As we continue east, we’ll take the Trestle Falls loop to Upper Trestle Falls, then continue the loop returning to Brice Creek near the upper trail head. As we meander west on Brice Creek, a side hike takes us to Lower Trestle Falls. Then we’ll continue along Brice Creek back to Cedar Creek Trail head. Plan to swim or wade in the creek if you like.

Obsidian Grand Tour
2021-07-27
This is one of my favorite hikes as it covers all the best viewpoints of the Obsidian area. We’ll start at the Scott 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.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2021-07-27
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.
