Pisgah Long Route w/Options
2023-12-10
Meeting place: Mt. Pisgah, West (main) Trailhead, by the bathrooms. If you don’t have a Lane County pass, be sure to allow time to purchase one with a Debit/Credit card (no cash) at the fee box by the upper trailhead.
We will follow the Incense Cedar Trail and Trails 5, 56 and 6 to the summit, where we will gather for water and a snack. (At this point, those who prefer a shorter hike can return from the summit directly via main Trail 1, a total of about 5 miles and 2-2.5 hours.) To complete the long route, we will descend Trail 2, then follow Trails 4 and 3 around Swing Hill to the North Trailhead, and finally return to the West Trailhead along the river trail. It will probably take about 4 hours to hike the entire 9.4 miles. We can adjust the route if the weather is poor.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2023-12-12, 2023-12-19
Please be at the trailhead by 6:45 am.We will start on time at 7:00 am. 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.
There are 2 ways to get to the trailhead:
1. 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.
2. 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
2023-12-13, 2023-12-27, 2024-01-03
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 8:15 to 8:30
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.

Mt Baldy Sunrise
2023-12-16
Steep trail. Please be on time. We’ll leave promptly at 7AM.

North Bank Habit Area
2023-12-17
We’ll hike steady moderate pace through oak prairie all to the grassy top where we’ll have lunch with “endless” scenic views.
Please be ready for a serious hike with few muddy places. Pleasant dry windless day is expected, in mid 40s F.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2023-12-20
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 8:15 to 8:30.
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.

Mt Pisgah Winter Solstice
2023-12-21
Look for us by my car a row or two down from the fee box. Sunset is 4:36. Moonrise is 1:09pm. Current plan is take Trails 7,3, and 1 to the top. (Some may choose to take Trail 4)We will join a crowd of solstice hikers looking for the sun rays to light up the Mt. Pisgah Sighting Pedestal. Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions.
If you do not have a Lane County pass allow time to purchase one with Debit/Credit card (no cash) at the pay station by trailhead. To buy an annual pass and support the trails, check out the websites for Friends of the Buford Park or Mt. Pisgah Arboretum.

Pisgah East Side Loop
2023-12-22
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, 4 and 1, then return using trails #6 and 3. 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. Remove any valuables from your vehicle. There is a porta potty at the trailhead.

Ramble by the River
2023-12-23
We’ll start at the Campbell Center and follow the river path, over the Owosso bridge, then back along the river on the opposite side, cross the Defazio bridge, and end back at Campbell. A long loop, basically. Optional stop afterwards at the 5th Street Market for a hot drink.
Look for the leader’s White Honda Fit in the Campbell Center Parking Lot.

Mt. Pisgah Meander
2023-12-25
We will take Trail 3 around Swing Hill (maybe swing?), to Trail 4, to Trail 14, to Trail 1 to the Summit. We will return down Trail 1 to the main Parking Lot and then take Trail 5 along the River back to our cars in the North Parking lot.

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2023-12-26
Look for us by my car a row or two down from the fee box. Full Moonrise is 4:09 and sunset is 4:39 We will take Trails 7,3 and 1 (main trail). Faster hikers usually include a section of Trail 4. Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions or if you have never hiked Mt. Pisgah. 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.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2023-12-26
Please be at the trailhead by 6:45 am.We will start on time at 7:00am. 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.
There are 2 ways to get to the trailhead:
1. 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.
2. 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.

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2023-12-27

Midnight Lake
2023-12-27
This is a good first-of-the-season trip for intermediate skiers (it’s really not appropriate for beginners). Conditions permitting, we’ll head up to Midnight Lake via the PCT, then following the trail through the woods over to Abernethy Road past Bechtel Shelter, for a nice glide back to Pengra Pass and then the parking lot. Lunch will be at either Midnight Lake or at Bechtel Shelter. Depending on conditions, it could turn into an out-and-back instead of a loop (for instance, if it’s icy under the trees). Trip will be cancelled or re-scheduled if snow/road conditions are unsuitable. Please note: the trip can only go if we have drivers to take skiers up to the Sno-Park, so please offer to drive if you possibly can!

Whale Watching Overnight
2023-12-27 00:00 - 2023-12-28 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
This is an overnight trip to the Newport/Agate Beach area with an excursion to Depoe Bay. Participants will need to A) arrange their own transportation to/from Newport, and B) arrange their own accommodation in Newport/Agate Beach area for 1 night (December 27th). The trip leader suggests staying at a place with a generous cancellation policy in the off chance the trip needs to be cancelled. Dress for rain and cold. Bring needed snacks. Plan on eating together as a group for 1 dinner, and 1 lunch. The trip leader will be staying at the Best Western Agate Beach Inn.
Day 1: Dec. 27th
Arrive at the Yaquina Head Interpretive Center by 11:30am and meet inside the center. We will plan our afternoon from there depending on the weather and wind. The headland is a good location for whale watching so bring binoculars! There we will also be looking for winter birds in the area. Plan on walking up to 3 miles today. At 3:30-4pm we will wrap-up the afternoon as it will be getting dark and we it will be good to warm up inside.
In the evening, join others in the group at 6:15pm to have dinner at Local Ocean Seafood along Newport’s waterfront. We have a table reservation for 6, everyone pays for their own meal.
Day 2: Dec 28th
In the morning at 9am, we will meet up in Agate Beach (location provided during the trip). If need be, we can carpool the 12 miles to Depoe Bay. Depoe Bay is a perfect spot to see Gray Whales during their annual migration! Weather will determine our schedule, but we will be visiting the Whale Watching Center (the center opens at 10am, so there will be time to get some coffee in town), then viewing from along the seawall, and also walking north to NW Sunset Street where we will be viewing from along the peninsula that stretches from Pirate Cove to Depot Bay. We will eat lunch in town at one of the restaurants. Afterward, we can look for more whales or head back home. The plan is for everyone to be home by dark. Plan on walking up to 7 miles today.

Goodman Creek
2023-12-28
With the holidays near, a short hike close to town will give a quick escape to the forest. We will park at the Hardesty Mountain Trailhead along highway 58 near milepost 20. The Goodman Creek Trail meanders through a beautiful forest and across a couple side streams. At 2 miles, the gentle Goodman Creek Falls bubbles over the rock formations. After the falls, we will turn around at the old Goodman Creek Bridge, which is no longer suitable to cross. It’s a lovely spot. A lunch or snack break will happen at the bridge site before we turn around and return to the trailhead.

North Bank Habit Area
2023-12-31
The North Bank Habitat Area is near Roseburg, exit 135, Wilbur, then on North Bank Rd to the West Entrance – around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The scenic up and down loop has rolling—some steep & challenging hills— up to and along the ridgeline with oak savannas, meadows, and views of the North Fork of the Umpqua River.
One will need to watch for poison oak in a few places. Expect a few sections of the trail to be muddy depending on rainfall in recent days. It will be a steady moderate pace with a late lunch so bring some snacks. The elevation gain is like doing Pisgah twice. If the weather forecast is not so good, I will the change the hike to Pisgah.

Beach Clean-Up with SOLVE
2023-12-31
End of Year Celebration and Beach Clean Up at the Florence South Jetty.
We will join volunteers from all around the Oregon. Please meet 8:30AM at Target, West 11th in Eugene. We will carpool to Florence’s South Jetty for 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM work party.

New Years Day-Butte-Short
2024-01-01
Meet at the Spencer Butte Trailhead -the paved lot – by the steps before the departure time. Take note of 100 plus shrubs and ferns that Obsidian Trail Maintenance volunteers planted on November 25. This hike is not a race –but a gathering for us to ring in the New Year. You can set your own pace with others on the main trail to the summit. This is 14th annual New Years Hike that continues a long Club tradition. We usually gather on top near the south end where we keep a low profile so as not to impact others.
Note: The meeting place is not at 52nd Street. Keep driving another ¼ mile. Meetup/Departure Location: Spencer Butte paved lot on Willamette

New Years Day-Butte-Long
2024-01-01
This is a ‘longest’ variation of Janet’s New Years hike for those that want to start the New Year off strongly. We will have the earliest start and aim to see all the Obsidians at the top. Choose the version that works best for you.
Reminder that this is a Leave No Trace hike and no feeding the squirrels or throwing apple cores. Thank you.

New Years Day-Butte-Medium
2024-01-01
This is our 14th annual New Year’s Hike that continues a long Club tradition. There will be two other departure times and locations so we will plan on gathering on the South end so as to lower our impact on others. Start the year with fitness, friends, and the great outdoors. 2024 here we come!
* A good parking option is across the street on 52 street, that way we lesson our footprint and it may be a bit safer for your car.
**Reminder that this is a Leave No Trace hike and no feeding the squirrels or throwing apple cores. Thank you.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2024-01-02
We will start on time at 7:00 am6:45am. 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.
There are 2 ways to get to the trailhead:
1. 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.
2. 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.

Pisgah East Side Loop
2024-01-05
East Trailhead – from Eugene, drive east on Highway 58 towards
Pleasant Hill. Turn left on Ridgeway Road at the 76 Station and drive 1.7
miles to the parking area on the left. The parking lot is small, but vehicles
can also park on the main road if necessary. Lane County Parking Pass is
required to park in the lot. Remove any valuables from your vehicle. There
is a porta potty at the trailhead.
We will hike to the summit on trails #2, 4, 3 and then #1 and returning on
trail #6. Good conditioning hike. Optional brunch/lunch following hike

Alsea and Green Peak Falls
2024-01-06
Meet at Jerrys on hwy 99.
Easy and short drive. We will hike along South Fork Alsea River to Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls, and then South Fork Mile trail up to Big Fear trail.
Depending on what’s open some of us will stop on the way home in Monroe or Junction City for refreshment.
Parking: BLM or Senior Pass

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2024-01-09
We will start on time at 7:00 am. 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.
There are 2 ways to get to the trailhead:
1. 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.
2. 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.

GameNight!
2024-01-09
Come join us for an evening of games at the Lodge from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. By signing up, you’ll help us have an idea of about how many to expect, but you’re very welcome to show up any time throughout the evening, even if you don’t sign up. (No trip credit earned for this event)

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2024-01-10
NOTE;
SIGNIFICANT LIKELIHOOD OF SNOW ON THE TRAIL FROM FOX HOLLOW ON UP, WITH A LESSER CHANCE BELOW FOX HOLLOW. THAT MEANS I MAY DECIDE TO STOP THE FORMAL HIKE AT THE MEADOW OR EVEN LOWER. PLEASE COME PREPARED FOR WINTER CONDITIONS AND FEEL FREE TO TURN AROUND AT ANY POINT YOU DEEM APPROPRIATE.
