The Obsidians

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2023-06-07, 2023-06-14, 2023-06-21, 2023-06-28
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.

Get Acquainted/Ribbon Trail
2023-06-10
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 at a T intersection, turn left and immediately look for the Obsidians 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

Diamond Peak - Graduation Climb
2023-06-10
This climb is intended for recent graduates of the Obsidians Climb School. We will ascend via the Pioneer Gulch route on the south to southwest side of the mountain. The climb is approximately 10 miles round trip with over 4000 ft of total elevation gain. As you prepare for this, think about hiking 4 Mount Pisgahs in a day

Mt June (via Lost Creek)
2023-06-10
This is a close in hike in the Dexter area. It’s a steady climb for about 2 miles, then a “rolling” up and down, and finally a short, steep climb to the former lookout tower at the top. There will be some woodland wildflowers and hopefully, a profusion of flowers at a rock outcropping. Most of the Cascade mountains can be seen from the top. Poles may be helpful for the steep sections. Note: Bill Sullivan’s description of the hike starts from a different trailhead.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2023-06-13, 2023-06-20, 2023-06-27
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.

GameNight!
2023-06-15
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)

Tire Mountain
2023-06-16
This hike follows a portion of the Alpine trail near Westfir, about 30 miles east of Eugene. The final 7 miles are on gravel roads in reasonably good condition. The trail passes through a pleasant forest, traverses several steep meadows, and crosses some damp seeps along the way. There should be some interesting wildflowers and a good view of Diamond Peak. We will climb to the top of the last and largest meadow for lunch and our turn-around point. The pace will be steady with pauses at trail intersections, and to enjoy the flowers. Notes: Mountain bikers will be sharing the trail. There are no restrooms at the trailhead.

Grounds work party
2023-06-16
Mowing, weeding, moving mulch. Meet at the Lodge at 9:00 a.m. or whenever you can arrive. Work until 12:00 noon or depart earlier. Bring work gloves, hat, sunscreen, water bottle.. We can use extra wheelbarrows. If you have old hoses to donate, we can use them to run a hose line to the new plantings along 29th Avenue outside the fence. We will take a break at 10:30 a.m. if you want to bring goodies to share.

Mt Jefferson
2023-06-16 00:00 - 2023-06-18 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
This climb has been postponed due to weather. We will climb the West Rib route with a high camp at about 6800ft. High camp will likely be on snow. Jefferson is probably the toughest mountain in Oregon with significant hazards to individuals and the team. All potential team members will need prior approval from the trip leader.
Meetup/Departure Location: Thurston Albertsons

Cascade Head
2023-06-17
A spectacular trail up through old growth forests, several stream crossings on well-constructed bridges, emerging from the trees at the halfway point to wide open views up & down the coast the rest of the way. I did this trail last July & again May 1 this year – observed 4 elk the first time & a herd of 50 or so last month. With all the beautiful photos we will have taken, we can gloat over coffee in Lincoln City or Dallas on the way back. This hike is worth the extra miles of travel.

Mt June (via Lost Creek)
2023-06-18
This is a longer, out-and-back route to Mt. June, one of the closest places to Eugene to see some great subalpine flowers. We’ll start from the Lost Creek trailhead, which is off of (paved) Eagles Rest Road near Dexter. The trail climbs about 2 miles and 1200 ft. through the forest to a junction with the Sawtooth Trail, follows the ridgeline to the junction with the Mt. June Trail, then climbs a relatively steep half-mile to the summit. We should see a variety of plants and flowers in the forest and on the rocky outcrops, and have some nice views. Exploring a bit around the summit and/or adding about 1.5 miles to the hike to visit Sawtooth Rock are possibilities.

Yachats to Tillicum beach walk
2023-06-18
We will carpool from Eugene to the Yachats Community Center Parking lot. If needed, a back-up parking option will be the Yachats State Park main parking lot just to the south.
The hike will follow the 804 trail to where it ends at a set of wooden stairs down to the beach. We will then walk the beach north for just over 3 miles to Tillicum Beach for lunch, returning the same route back to the cars. The beach walk will cross a few fresh water paths so waterproof shoes (or river sandals if you prefer) could be helpful.
Some hikers may choose to stop for a late afternoon snack or beverage in Florence on the way back to Eugene.

Yachats over nighter/beach house
2023-06-19 00:00 - 2023-06-21 23:59
Yachats over nighter/beach house, 2 night stay for 8–PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO READ ALL.
Monday June 19th
Drive to Yachats beach house and then to Amanda Trail walk to see the suspension bridge and the statue.
Back to the house for potluck. Planning details to follow.
Tuesday morning hikers take bus to Walport walk back on beach — 8 mi; option to get off bus halfway at Tillicum 4 miles .. Med difficulty…
Tuesday evening go to restaurant or eat at house.
$65 contribution towards professional cleaning and Tuesday breakfast provided by Scott
sleeping arrangements —
One room — King bed, for 2 to share
Second room — Queen bed for 2 to share
Third room — 3 singles
Floor space, couches
Coordinating emails to follow for people signed up.
Send check to Scott Hovis at 294 W 22nd Ave, Eugene, OR 97405 by five days after signing up.

Mt Pisgah Summer Solstice
2023-06-21
Sunset is at 8:59 (Moonrise is 8:28 am) Look for us by my car, two or three rows down from the fee box at the gate. Current plan is take Trails 7,3, and 1 to summit. Faster hikers usually include a section of Trail 4. If heat is an issue, I might change start time so that everyone can take shady Trail 4. Email me at jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions. Our goal is to view the rays of the sunset shining through the Mt. Pisgah Sighting Pedestal. For more info about the pedestal, see the June 2021 Bulletin.
www.obsidians.org/bulletin/Issues/2021_Bulletins/2021_06_Bulletin.pdf
Email jbjacobsen@comcast.net if you have questions. If it is raining, we will not linger

Evening hike: Pre's Trail
2023-06-22
6:00 pm: Meet in the parking lot near the duck pond and frisbee golf course, this is the lot on the left right after you cross the bridge coming into Alton Baker Park.
The trail surface is a mix of hard pack and dirt. If you have any questions, please give me a call.

Coyote Creek Paddle
2023-06-22
We’ll meet at Target and then caravan to the put-in on Cantrell Road. Coyote Creek flows into Fern Ridge and is a birdwatcher’s paradise. It reminds me of a bayou! We’ll start by paddling upstream (the current is barely noticeable) until we reach a log jam and then we’ll turn around and paddle under Highway 126 into the reservoir. This is flat water- no riffles. We’ll plan on being back at the put-in by noon-12:30.

Pisgah East Side Loop
2023-06-23
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 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.

Muir Creek UpperRogue Wilderness
2023-06-23 00:00 - 2023-06-25 23:59
This is a loop backpack through mid elevation forest and wildflower meadows in the Rogue Umpqua divide wilderness not far from Diamond Lake. We’ll leave Eugene Friday afternoon and drive to Muir Creek Trailhead off OR 230. Hike up Muir Creek approx 5 miles camp. Saturday continue to headwaters and over a broad pass to Alkali Meadows approx 5 miles camp. Sunday complete the trail loop and finish with a short bushwhack down to Muir Creek and the TH. Consult William Sullivan’s excellent 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon

Mt Thielsen
2023-06-24
We will be climbing the standard route on Mt. Thielsen. The route begins as a use trail up the scree and talus of the lower mountain, later becoming a class 3 scramble as the ridge steepens. The final climb up the summit pinnacle is a class 4, easy 5th class scramble on the only solid piece of rock on the mountain. We will have a fixed line rope for ascending and will descend on a rappel on the steep part. We will plan on doing the climb in 1 day from Eugene. However, those who wish to camp can meet us at the trail head in the early AM.

Horse Rock & Shotgun Creek
2023-06-24
Trip Description: We will start with the Horse Rock Trail and see some gorgeous wildflowers. This is a 3-mile loop. After, we will drive back to Shotgun Creek and do the smaller loop for 3.4 miles.
Directions to Departure Place: 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.
To park at Shotgun creek you will need to have a National Park Pass or pay the $5 day pass at the kiosk in the parking area. Meetup/Departure Location: Corner of 42nd and Marcola Rd – see below

North Fork Trail (Segment 1)
2023-06-25
The North Fork of the Willamette, is a close in picturesque hike along the river. The trail head is located just outside Westfir, Oregon. There should be wildflowers along the trail. There are 3 sections to this trail. We will be hiking the first out and back. If the day is good we might extent it to include part of the second.

Mt Pisgah (long)
2023-06-25
We’ll meet at the end of the West Trailhead/Main parking area, nearest to the arboretum. A Lane County parking permit is required, so allow extra time to purchase the permit at the parking lot if you do not already have one on your vehicle.
To finish by mid-day and avoid high temperatures, we’re starting a bit earlier than usual for this hike. We will also take a new route to hike more on the shade side of Mt Pisgah. The route will follow Trail 7 to 3, hiking around swing hill to then take trails 4, 2 and the last part of 1 to the summit. Those who wish for a shorter route can then return on 1 back to the parking area. For the long route we will return on 2, 4 and 7. The long-range forecast shows a cooler, overcast day, and we should be back to the main parking lot by mid-day. We can adjust the route if weather does not cooperate.

Evening hike: 52nd to Blanton
2023-06-27
6:30 pm: Note, we’re departing 30 min later than prior evening hikes.
Meet at 52nd and Willamette – park on 52nd street, across from the main trailhead on the Spencers Butte side. If you have questions, please give me a call.
This is an easy out and back, good for all hiking abilities.

Cape Perpetua
2023-06-27 00:00 - 2023-06-29 23:59
Note: If you sign-up for this multi-day trip, please don’t casually cancel last minute. Doing so prevents others from attending and costs the trip leader out-of-pocket reservation fees. Thank you!
This is a 2-night overnight camping trip at Cape Perpetua with 14 miles of hiking. PLEASE SCROLL THROUGH THE ENTIRE TRIP DESCRIPTION.
The trip leader has pre-paid/reserved the group site in advance. Please pay the trip leader $40 per person at the beginning of the trip, this amount covers 2 nights in the campground and share of firewood. Participants are responsible for arranging their travel to/from the site. Bring all your food, equipment, tent, etc. Be prepared for all types of coastal weather. There is limited parking so please try to carpool. If you wish to sleep in your vehicle that is option, just please be discreet. The group camp has a covered shelter and electricity. A flush bathroom is close to the group camp. Bring your State Park Pass and All-In-One Federal Pass for your vehicle.
Tuesday, June 27th
This trip begins at the Cape Perpetua Group Camp (44.2805, -124.0942). You are welcome to arrive anytime after 4pm into that evening. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Cape Perpetua and the evening around the fire.
Wednesday, June 28th
Plan on hiking at least 9 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation loss/gain.
We will depart camp by 9am walking half a mile up to the Visitor Center to the trailhead. We will hike up Cook’s Ridge through a stunning section of old growth > past the Gwynn Creek Junction > along and down the Cummins Creek Trail > to the Oregon Coast Trail returning to the Visitors Center in the mid/late afternoon. Bring lunch/snacks/water. We will take a lunch break somewhere near the headwaters of Gwynn Creek. The last half –the Cummins Creek section– of the trail is exploratory for the trip leader. That evening rest by the campfire.
Thursday, June 29th:
Plan on hiking at least 5 miles with 200 feet of elevation loss/gain.
Depart camp by 9:30am. We will drive to the top of the cape and enjoy the views. We will then drive into Yachats and park at the Yachats State Recreation Area. We will hike approx 2.5 miles along the OCT to the Amanda Statue and have lunch near the suspension bridge. There is a small amount of highway walking. We will return to our cars via the same route. We should be returning to the Eugene area by 5pm-ish.

Amazon Headwaters Brushing 2
2023-06-28
For this month’s outing we will return to the Amazon Headwaters Trail for some concentrated brushing. We’ll be working to cut back Maple so that it grows up and away from the trail. We will be doing this in a short section along one of the bridges. Additional task options will include cutting back blackberries at the trailhead.
Just a heads up that there is poison oak in the area.
Meet at the Fox Hollow Trailhead parking lot, the gravel lot on Fox Hollow across from the Cascades Raptor Center. Work party goes from 5:50-8pm.
