Row River Trail, whole length
2021-11-14
We will bike whole lenghth of Row River Trail, starting from Bohemia Park in Cottage Grove, along Dorena Lake to the Culp Creek and back. Good bike path with no traffic. Will stop few times for snack and rest.
➽ Obsidian social distancing safety protocols. Refer to main website page for latest information.

Eel Creek
2021-11-14
We will leave Eugene via I-5 heading south to Drain exit. We will stop in Elkton at bakery for coffee and bathroom break. Then on to Dean Creek Elk Reserve. With luck there will be elk and a second bathroom break. Then on to trailhead south of Winchester. The dunes in this area are some of the highest and motorized traffic is prohibited. We will hike across the dunes out to the trail that leads through the deflation plane to the beach. This portion of the trail can include wading. Because of all the rain the probability is high. Depending on weather conditions we can spend some time on the beach. I have led this as a loop depending on the amount of water at north end. The return is through Florence. This trip will not be canceled due to weather as the weather has provided some of the best trips.

Coburg Ridge Preserve
2021-11-15
This hike is co-sponsored by the Obsidians’ Conservation/Science/Education Committee and The Nature Conservancy, and is for Obsidian members only.
The hike is located on a 1,244-acre permanent conservation easement granted to The Nature Conservancy by the John Jaqua family. The property extends across McKenzie View Drive up into the Coburg Hills in a mile-wide swath that harbors native hilltop prairies, oak habitats, and haunts for at least 25 at-risk species.
Coburg Ridge Preserve is the largest privately owned nature sanctuary in the Willamette Valley. The property is not be open to the public, except for tours by The Conservancy.
MEETUP LOCATION: We will meet at Papa’s Pizza on Coburg and drive over to the property together. Please be on time. Masks will be needed for carpooling and participants must be vaccinated.
Each participant will need to sign two waivers: the Obsidian signup sheet/liability acceptance plus The Nature Conservancy waiver (related to COVID-19 risk and certification of health insurance).
NOTE ABOUT THE TRAIL CONDITIONS: The last half mile is quite steep (no switchbacks) with slippery footing. There may be a few downed, smallish trees across the lower parts of the trail Be prepared for some log-hopping just in case, as well as some potential cross country travel without a trail.
Questions? Please call/email member, Kay Coots. Meetup/Departure Location: Papa’s Pizza, 1577 Coburg, Park n’ Ride

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2021-11-16, 2021-11-23, 2021-11-30, 2021-12-07
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
2021-11-17
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 8:45 to 9:00.
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 Sunset/Moonrise
2021-11-18
Moonrise is 4:30 pm and sunset is 4:42pm The Full Moon is the next night. 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. We can adjust the mileage depending on the weather. Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions. 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. Obsidian COVID protocols will be followed.

Toiletries for First Place Family
2021-11-19
Instead of socks, bring toiletries such as full bottles of shampoo to drop off at the First Family Center. Our 4 mile amble will mainly be on the bike path and Adidas Oregon Trail/Rexius Trail through Amazon Park. Email Janet Jacobsen @ comcast.net if you have questions or want to donate but not do the walk. For more information, see their website: https://www.svdp.us/news/article/first-place-program-wish-lists Possible items to donate: : Kleenex Tissues, boxes, Sanitizing Surface Wipes , Q-tips, Combs and Hairbrushes, Deodorant, Shampoo & Conditioner , Toothbrushes

Larison Creek
2021-11-20
Meet at Pisgah Public Market in Pleasant Hill – Take the Oakridge exit off of I-5. After 4 miles watch for the mall on your left after the 76 gas station. Park in the middle of the parking lot by the light pole.
Larison Creek is a great winter hike that is not in town. The trail head is a few miles past Oakridge on Hills Creek Reservoir. We follow a small river inlet along the reservoir and then up the river. We will stop for lunch at the “summer swimming hole

North Fork Willamette
2021-11-20, 2021-11-28
We will start at the beginning of second leg of trail and continue into the third section as far as we like before retracing our steps back to our cars. This trail follows the river through a mixed forest that has been recently thinned in the last couple of years. Be prepared for muddy trail and dripping trees.

Larison Rock
2021-11-21
This is a low end difficult hike which while short distance overall climbs about 1700 feet in the first two miles, a steady grade. From there to the top, the grade lessens, and the rock has modest views to the south and is itself quite impressive. Arrive at the TH about 0945-1000, on top by lunch, then back down 1330 (1:30) or 1400 (2:00), at the latest. It’s a short drive, decent trail used for mountain bikes, and is a nice workout close to town.

Mt. Hope Cemetery Loop
2021-11-21
walk begins in historic Masonic Cemetery where we will note the number of early white settlers in this area long home to the kalapuya Indian tribe, walk thru the hills, skirting Laurelwood Golf Course, and Hendricks Rhododendron garden. We will have a moderate and interesting walk Meetup/Departure Location: University St & E 25th Ave

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2021-11-24
** 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.

Turkey Trimming
2021-11-25
This annual urban hike will take us through South Eugene to the Ridgeline Trailhead on 52nd and Willamette. We will hike up a short distance then veer off on the Maintenance spur and go through hidden parts of town (and a new housing development!), as we wend our way down to the Amazon Creek headwaters before heading back to where we started. We will go at a moderate pace.

Mt Pisgah
2021-11-26
We can adjust mileage if the weather does not cooperate. Park at the Main Parking lot. Look for us two or three rows below the fee box. We will head out on the lower road and then along the river to the North Trailhead and then take Trail 3, 4, 1 to the summit. From there, we have longer and shorter options on how to return to the main parking lot . Please be
familiar with the COVID protocols on the website. Watch for updates. If questions, my email is jbjacobsen@comast.net

Spencer Butte Planting
2021-11-27
For this outing we will plant over 250 salvaged plants around the main trailhead parking lot.
Meet at the main Spencer Butte Trailhead parking lot, the paved lot on Willamette Street.

Sweet Creek Falls
2021-11-27
We will try to do both lower and upper sections of trail. If conditions allow this the length of the hike is closer to 5 miles. After all the rain the falls should put on a good show. If there is interest and the the is right we might go into Florence for lunch. This is to be determined at end of hike by those who are interested.

Shotgun Creek Loop
2021-11-28
Meet at: Corner of 42nd and Marcola Rd in the parking lot of the Weyerhauser Mckenzie Natural Area. From I-105 aka Hwy 126 take the 42nd street exit in Springfield (it is the exit past Mohawk Blvd.). Turn left on 42nd street. In about 1 mile the road ends and you will see the parking lot on your right. Look for the Willamalane sign.
This is a great winter hike. Much of the trail is through old growth forest and then finished along the creek itself.

Spencer Butte sunrise
2021-11-28
Zippy hike to see sunrise at 7:25 AM

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2021-12-01
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 8:45 to 9:00.***** REMEMBER, THERE IS A TIME CHANGE FOR THE START!!!*******
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.

Food for Lane County
2021-12-03
The fairgrounds will probably be closed so we will meet at corner 16th and Friendly — south side of Amazon Creek. We will walk on the Fern Ridge bike path along the Amazon Creek to the Food for Lane County warehouse on Bailey Hill Road. 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

Three Mile Lake
2021-12-04
A hike that starts 10 miles south of Florence. We start in a forest that opens to a trail out on the dunes and ends at the beach. We walk along the beach for about a mile, return to the dunes, and back into the forest. We get a peek at the south end of Three Mile Lake.

Finley Wildlife Refuge
2021-12-04
This is primarily a hiking trip. But we are going to make a brief stop at Bruce Rd to check out what is on one of the largest ponds on the refuge. Then on to headquarters where we will start the hike. We will do the entire loop that includes the Mill Pond trail and the Woodpecker trail and come back to cars. With rain we have had it will be muddy so wear appropriate foot gear or bring a change of shoes. This is a mixed forest of firs and oaks with hanging moss very prehistoric.

Dimple Hill
2021-12-05
We will meet in the Jerry’s Home Improvement Center parking lot, Beltline at Highway 99, at the far side of the parking lot from the store, next to Highway 99 and the Jerry’s sign.
The hike will begin at Chip Ross Park on the north side of Corvallis. Weather permitting, there are good views of Corvallis from the upper reaches of Chip Ross Park. We’ll take Dan’s Trail to the summit of Dimple Hill and stop for lunch and good views to the south. Most of Dan’s Trail is a long and steady uphill, with plenty of switchbacks to keep it from becoming too steep. The trail is muddy in places, but generally in good condition, and there are mountain bikers to watch out for. On November 13 there was one tree down across the trail.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2021-12-08
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 8:45-9:00.
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.

Green Island Birdwalk
2021-12-11
CANCELLED due to dangerous weather conditions!!!
Meeting place: Papa’s Pizza, 1577 Coburg Rd.
Green Island, the location of this birdwalk, sponsored by the Conservation/Science & Education Committee, is open to the public periodically by the McKenzie River Trust. It is a former agricultural site, now transforming into a diverse riparian woodland habitat. On our March 2021, visit we took the north loop and saw many swallows taking advantage of Dennis Arendt’s painted boxes, and around a couple of dozen bird species. Randy Sinnott, local birder, will lead the “listening & looking.”
In case of very windy/rainy weather, trip will be re-scheduled, participants will be notified in advance.

Salmon Creek Trail South
2021-12-11
This moderate, out-and-back hike is close to the Kwis fire which is still not completely contained. Oakridge locals assure me that the trail is open, although there are some downed trees across the trail and there may be smoke. It will be muddy and slippery in places, but the forest and creek will be beautiful. We can have lunch at the Oakridge fish hatchery, which will be our turnaround point.
There is a very brief stretch of gravel road, but the drive and parking are suitable for all vehicle types.
