Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2022-06-28, 2022-07-01, 2022-07-05, 2022-07-12
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.

Misery Ridge & River Trail
2022-06-28, 2022-06-29
Smith Rock State Park is our destination. This is a scenic & fascinating hike every foot of the trail. Many rock climbers & an occasional slack liner in view along the way. We’ll hike up the east face to the top of the rock – lots of steps & quite steep in sections. Good balance & at least one walking stick are required. We’ll loop over the top & down the west face which is steep, gravelly & slippery in spots – walking stick{s} will help. We’ll continue down to the Crooked River which loops around the south end of the rock and back to the trail head – the last couple of miles are mostly level.

Mt. St. Helens Area South
2022-06-28 00:00 - 2022-06-30 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
This is an exploration of some highlights of the southern side of Mount St. Helens. This trip begins at the Cougar Park & Campground on Yale Lake, Washington.
Here is the location of Cougar Camp where the trip begins:
46.05473855631972, -122.28760091134596
June 28:
Arrive at the Cougar campground late that afternoon or evening (sites, 22, 23, and 25 are reserved). The trip leader should be arriving there by 4pm.
June 29:
In the early morning, we drive about half an hour to Lava Canyon for a 5.5-mile out-and-back hike along a mudflow scoured chasm with 1,400 feet of elevation gain. There will be waterfalls, ancient lava cliffs, and some ladders that will need to be climbed. The suspension bridge is closed, but apparently, we can still see the other side of the canyon by backtracking about 0.3 of a mile. Depending on time and weather, we might visit June Lake that afternoon (shorter loop of 2.6 miles with 410 feet of elevation gain), or if time allows, hike the longer loop (5.4 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain) over to an ash-choked waterfall called Chocolate Falls. In the evening, we relax back at the campsite.
June 30:
In the early morning, we pack up camp and travel to the Ape Cave Interpretive Site. Ape Cave is the longest lave tube in the western hemisphere. We will explore the easier 0.8 (one-way) lower cave first. Then later, the 1.4-mile long upper cave where will need to scramble over rock falls, several 8-foot lava walls using hand/footholds, and exiting via a metal ladder. Refer to Bill Sullivan’s Ape Cave description of this hike for more information. There is the option to visit the Trail of Two Forests Interpretive Site, a short .25 mile-long boardwalk trail that leads you over 2,000-year-old lava flow from Mount St. Helens where an ancient lava flow solidified around the trunks and trunks rotted away, leaving tree wells, voids in which the impressions of the bark. The plan is the be on the road by 2pm and through Portland by 4pm to avoid major traffic, returning to Eugene by 6pm-ish.
Trip fees total $30 total per person: this includes the $2 Obsidian trip fees and $28 payable to the trip leader (first day of the trip) for two nights camping, up to 4 vehicles for the group, and two bundles of firewood. Bring all your meals, tent, camping stove, hat, sun gear, etc., and all your food. There is a shower and restroom where we are staying. BRING TWO LIGHT SOURCES for the cave. The cave is 42 degrees so come prepared with a warm hat, jacket, and some good foot protection. Bring your all-in-one Federal public lands pass for vehicles. The possibility of a campfire will be determined at that time. Bring your swim trunks, but the lake we are staying near is prone to algae blooms and the lake might be closed to swimming. Parking space at the campground is limited, you are highly encouraged to carpool with a friend who is also going on this trip. We are limited to 1 car and 2 tents per site. Any extra vehicles, beyond our budget 4 total, will be charged $5/day. Covid protocols will be in place. The trip leader is vaccinated and boosted.

Pre's Trail
2022-06-29
After work in-town hike: Easy
Meet at Alton Baker Park – on Day Island Drive, right after crossing the bridge. It’s the parking lot on the left nearest the duck pond and the disc golf course. If unsure of this location, please call/text me. We leave promptly at 6:00 pm.
This trail is named after UO legend Steve Prefontaine. Thought it would be fun to do in advance of the World Meet in July. Although there is no elevation gain, the 4.4 miles does take some stamina. Trail is a mix of hard pack dirt and asphalt. If you have any questions, please text/call me.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2022-06-29, 2022-07-06, 2022-07-13
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.

Trail Maintenance
2022-06-29 17:30
For this month’s outing we’ll work on general beatification of the main trailhead painting the kiosk and bench, covering graffiti, cleaning the stairs, and some light trailside brushing.
Meet at the main Spencer Butte Trailhead parking lot, the paved lot on Willamette.

Castle Rock via King Castle Trail
2022-06-30
6/27 update: The trail is in very good condition and there are many nice wildflowers. With cooler temperatures on the way, this should be a great hike.
This trail climbs to the site of an old lookout (now replaced by a cell phone relay) with a nice view of the McKenzie Valley, the Old Cascades, Mt. Washington and the Three Sisters. The well-graded trail (11.4 mi RT, 2600 ft. gain) passes through a pleasant forest of Douglas fir and mountain hemlock. After 4 miles, the trail crosses a road, then switchbacks another 1.7 miles up a forested slope to the ridgetop. Weather permitting, we will have lunch at a spot along the ridge that has good views east to the mountains. After lunch, we can continue the short distance up to the summit to see the cell phone relay and the views of the McKenzie Valley to the west. We will proceed at a steady, relaxed pace and pause periodically to keep the group together. Notes: Mountain bikers may be sharing the trail. There are no restrooms at the trailhead. If poor weather is forecast, I may reschedule. A stop at Takoda’s Restaurant is an option after the hike.

Pisgah East
2022-06-30
DEPARTURE TIME: 9:00 a.m.
MEETING PLACE: The parking lot near McDonalds at 58th and Main, Thurston and carpool to the Eastside Trailhead.
Our hike will begin from the East trailhead off Dery Road. There is a porta-potty there. We will start on Trail #2 and then take a combination of trails to the Summit, gradually gaining elevation through open meadows and the forest. At the summit we will take a snack/lunch break and then descend down Trail 6 and loop back to our starting point. Please be aware there is no pay station on that side. If you are going to drive, be sure to either have an Annual Lane County Parks Pass or you can purchase a day pass online for that day. Both the leader and co-leader are driving. Since there will only be 10 of us at most, we can probably squeeze into two vehicles for the 10″ ride each way.

E2C Lookout Res./Winberry Ridge
2022-06-30
This is the first part of the Eugene to Crest Trail on Nat’l Forest lands. We’ll start near Ivan Oakes Campground on Lookout Point Reservoir. The same day as this hike, another Obsidian Group will be hiking from near the dam to reach Ivan Oakes via the North Shore Trail. A couple of campsites have been reserved so both hiking groups can meet at Ivan Oakes for refreshments and some car shuttling. Exact logistics of car shuttle to be worked out.

Grizzly Peak
2022-07-02
This hike starts out at the Pamelia Lake trailhead and so requires a special limited entry permit plus a NW Forest Pass for your vehicle. Because permits for this trail are only issued 10 days in advance I won’t know how many people will be allowed to participate until June 21st. I’ll open the trip up to 12 people for now and adjust that number if needed on June 21st. The summit of Grizzly Peak has great close up views of Mt Jefferson. If we have warm weather I plan on stopping at Pamelia Lake on the way back for a short swim. Some of us will be stopping at Takoda’s for dinner after the hike so choose your driver accordingly.

Obsidians Butte to Butte
2022-07-04
The course for the Mayor’s Fitness Walk starts at Spencer Butte Middle School at 500 E 43rd Ave, heading east and follows the flat portion of the Aquafina OTC Butte to Butte course to finish on 5th between High and Pearl. Walk will start 8:30AM. Please be no later than 8:15AM at the corner of Ferry Street and East 43rd Avenue, so we have time for signup sheet. You will need to sign Obsidians waiver and pay $1 ($2) club fee. Aquafina Butte to Butte $25 per registration is needed per adult. Please register and pay ASAP at https://buttetobutte.com/register so you can have “bib”. When registering, you will have option to choose your team. Please choose TEAM OBSIDIANS I have created at organizer’s website. Meetup/Departure Location: Spencer Butte Middle School

Red Butte
2022-07-06
This hike starts at the Duffy Lake trailhead and goes past Duffy and Mowich Lakes before heading up a red cinder cone called Red Butte. We’ll have lunch on top while enjoying the great views. On the way back a stop for a swim in Duffy Lake is a real possibility. Some of us may decide to stop at Takoda’s restaurant on the way home.
Please note that permits for this trailhead will not be issued until June 26th. I’ll set the maximum participants at 12 for now and adjust it if necessary.

North Umpqua Rafting
2022-07-07 00:00 - 2022-07-08 23:59
Please read this thoroughly before signing up- until you see “The End”! This 2 day trip has 2 activities: the first day is whitewater rafting through Ouzel Outfitters (https://www.oregonrafting.com/umpqua-1-day); the 2nd is hiking along the North Umpqua River. The $89 fee for members includes lodging in one of two Steamboat Inn houses (www.thesteamboatinn.com), a tip for the guides, and the Obsidian trip fee. In addition, you will pay a $149 rafting fee directly to Ouzel Outfitters (a link to our Ouzel reservation will be provided after you sign up online). The fee includes all the equipment and a hearty lunch. A detailed description of the rafting is on the link above; no experience is required, but you need to be able to paddle (read: healthy shoulders and arms).
The 2nd day is hiking along the river; it may include a key pass (2 groups start at 2 different trailheads and exchange car keys in the middle) or checking out the multiple waterfalls in the area. Some of this area was burned in recent fires.
Lodging: Each 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath house accommodates 6 persons. Rooms will be shared; two persons in each room. Dinner – tapas provided by the participants. BYOB.
Cancellation: Ouzel policy – full refund if more than 30 days. If less, $10 service charge. Zero refund if less than 48 hours. Obsidian policy – if more than 30 days or your place is filled by someone on the Wait List, full refund. Otherwise, no refund.
Covid policy – each individual should assess their own personal risk when deciding whether or not to participate. Masks will be optional and we will not be checking vaccination status.
Next steps: Within 5 days of signing up, mail a check payable to the Obsidians for $89 (members) to Lana Lindstrom, PO Box 5506, Eugene 97405. I will then e-mail you an invitation to complete the registration for Ouzel Outfitters and pay them $149 by credit card. Members have sign-up preference until May 10. The date for the pre-trip meeting will be set at a later time. ****THE END*****

Browder Ridge
2022-07-08
This trail is one of my favorites. There are excellent views of the peaks from several spots along the route and usually many wildflowers. In the first 1.4 miles, the trail switchbacks up through the forest for over half of the total elevation gain, then arrives at a viewpoint for a well-earned break. The trail then traverses 1.7 miles up through meadows of bracken and wildflowers to a junction with the summit trail. If the summit section is passable, we will proceed about 1 mile, ascending a forested ridge, traversing the top of a steep meadow, and picking our way up through a rocky ridge to a broad, grassy summit. If the summit section is not passable, a broad, rocky overlook a bit farther down the main trail will be a great place for lunch. The trail is narrow and rocky in places, and there may be some blowdown to maneuver around, so bring poles if you use them. Our pace will be steady but relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fine wildflowers and excellent views of the peaks. I may reschedule if poor weather is in the forecast.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2022-07-08
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. Proceed another 1/4- 1/2 mile to trailhead.

Obsidian Grounds
2022-07-08
We will mow, weed, dig blackberries, and move mulch prior to the Get Acquainted hike on Saturday. If you want, bring a treat to share for our 10:30 a.m. break. We will work from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, but any time you can spare is appreciated.

Maxwell Butte
2022-07-09
This hike starts near Maxwell snow park and climbs 2500 feet to the summit of Maxwell Butte for some impressive views of Three Fingered Jack. After the hike some of us will stop at Takoda’s restaurant for dinner so choose your ride accordingly.
No limited entry permit or NW forest pass needed.

Mt Washington
2022-07-09

Get Acquainted/Ribbon Trail
2022-07-09
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 Thielsen
2022-07-09 00:00 - 2022-07-10 23:59
Leave town at ~6pm on Friday night, drive to Thielsen trailhead and spend the night. Saturday morning we’ll have a quick breakfast and begin our climb at 5am, hike up the Mt. Thielsen trail until we reach the PCT, where we’ll take off on the climbers trail. Once we reach Chicken ledge, we’ll set up a fixed line for all to ascend. We may set up a rapell for our descent. We’ll retrace our steps back down the trail to the trailhead and head home Saturday evening. I expect the climb will take ~10 hours car to car.

Paradise Park
2022-07-12
This hike starts at Timberline Lodge then follows the PCT to the aptly named Paradise Park which has great views of Mt Hood and is typically loaded with wildflowers. The long drive, stream crossings, and decent into Zig-Zag Canyon make this a challenging and all day adventure. We’ll stop for dinner before driving home.
Note we’ll be departing at 6am from the Springfield Fred Meyer on Q Street just north of the fueling station.

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2022-07-12
Moonrise is at 8:39 and sunset is 8:54. Full moon is the next day. Look for us by my car a row or two down from the fee box.. Depending on the temperature, the current plan is to take 7, “shady” 4 and 1. Optional: The 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.

Martin Lake
2022-07-13
This is a loop hike that is shown in Sullivan’s 2020 Central Cascades book under Three Fingered Jack. 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. 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.

Fox Hollow to Spencer's Butte
2022-07-13
Evening/after-work conditioning hike:
Meet at the Fox Hollow trail head parking lot at 5:50 pm. We leave promptly at 6pm.
Conditioning / moderate level hike due to the pace and elevation gain. If you have any questions, please give me a call.
