The Obsidians

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.

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.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2022-09-06, 2022-09-13, 2022-09-20
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.

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.

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.

Womens Kayak Overnight
2022-09-07 00:00 - 2022-09-09 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-09-14, 2022-09-21
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.

Three Sisters PCT Section Hike
2022-09-15 00:00 - 2022-09-18 23:59
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.

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.

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

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.

Brice Creek
2022-09-18
We’ll start at the Cedar Creek Campground trailhead and hike up the creek to the Trestle Creek Falls trail, which we’ll take clockwise. We’ll turn around at Champion Creek Bridge and on the way back we’ll find a swimming hole for a refreshing dip before returning to our cars.

U of O Campus Walk
2022-09-19
UO

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2022-09-22
This is the first of autumn and sunset is at 7:09. Look for us by my car a row or two down from the fee box. The current plan is to take 17, 7, 4 and 1 with an optional shorter route of #7 and #3 to the main trail.
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.

Waldo Stargazing Bkpk
2022-09-23 00:00 - 2022-09-25 23:59
Day1- Afternoon Eugene departure. Drive to N Waldo/Jim Weaver trailhead. Hike approx. 2 miles and camp on rocky bench below Rigdon Butte. The site has expansive views of the entire Waldo Lake basin from which we have front row seats to uncountable stars in September’s New Moon.
Day 2 – Day hike 5 miles looping through the beautiful Rigdon Lakes area which still recovers from the lasting 1996 Charlton Burn. Evening star show.
Day 3 – Pack up and hike out, or not.
Meetup/Departure Location: 4th & Blair in the Whit

National Public Lands Day
2022-09-24
For National Trails Day we are going to switch gears from beautification to general maintenance. We will work to maintain the Main Trail by cleaning the summit steps and clearing drainage ditches and culverts.
Meet at the main Spencer Butte Trailhead parking lot, the paved lot on Willamette.

Upper Alpine trail hike
2022-09-24
Last segment of Alpine Trail finishing near Alpine ridge.
Trail is located NE from Oakridge. We will start at Kate’s Cut In and hike east segment to the end. Then, after the lunch same way back.
*** TRIP IS CANCELLED ***
According to information I received from the OakridgeOregon Ranger District: Access to our trail is currently open but may be closed at any time. Fire crews close back roads several times a week, depending on the wind and their fire-related activities.
*** TRIP IS CANCELLED ***

Scott Mountain
2022-09-25
Enjoy stops at Tenas and Benson Lakes on the way to the summit, the site of a lookout destroyed around 1960. The views of the Cascade Peaks make a perfect place for lunch.
Driving: we will drive up McKenzie Highway 242 turning north between mileposts 71 and 72 (Scott Lake pointer) on to gravel road ,1.5 miles to parking area. It has a restroom. If there is a miserable weather forecast, I will probably substitute a Pisgah hike.
Some may want to plan for a stop at Takodas after the hike.

East Side Pisgah
2022-09-25
this hike begins at East Trail head, From Eugene, take Highway 58 to Pleasant Hill, turn LEFT at top of hill (76 gas station at corner) Ridgeway Road. Approximate 1.5 mile drive on Ridgeway road to parking lot on left (Lane County Park pass required) This is a mostly level walk, with lovely meadows and mixed riparian forest with lush understory along an old river channel. We will reach the Pavilion and oak savannah and bathrooms at midpoint.
