Basic Climb School
2024-03-12 00:00 - 2024-04-06 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
The Basic Mountaineering helps people learn the skills needed to participate safely on climbs in alpine environments. The emphasis for this course is to provide the basic skills needed to climb safely with a group in a range of environments from sport climbing to alpine mountaineering, where travel may involve glaciers or steep rock and snow slopes. This course is not meant to train people to lead groups on rock or glaciers but rather to be a safe team member. We will not cover in detail the use of map and compass, weather and avalanche assessment, or crevasse rescue.
The course consists of four classroom sessions and two field sessions covering introduction to rock climbing and snow skills. The class is limited to 28 participants who are 16 or older. Those who are under 18 will need a parent or guardian signature. Those between ages 13 and 16 may participate if accompanied by a parent or responsible adult who is also enrolled in the course.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2024-03-13, 2024-03-20
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.

Rosary Lakes Snowshoe
2024-03-13
We will park in the sno-park near Willamette Pass where the west entrance to Odell Lake turns off. This lovely section of the PCT gradually climbs through fir and pine forests with glimpses of Odell Lake and Diamond Peak. Lower Rosary Lake with Pulpit Rock will be our destination. If the group chooses, we can go another half mile to Middle and Upper Rosary Lakes. PLEASE DON’T SIGN UP IF THIS IS TOO STRENUOUS. A couple of trips last year were a bit scary with concerns for the well being of a struggling person. I will plan easier outings soon, thanks.

Pi Day
2024-03-14
Meet at the Masonic Cemetery at 25th and University near the interpretive signs and gate—not at the Abbey- then a short walk to see a few “math related” monuments and spring flowers. Then off to the University Oregon campus to Straub Hall Atrium and the Museum of Culture and History to mull over the impressive math stats for the Missoula Flood and the Willamette Meteorite sculpture in front of the museum. Optional to visit the Museum. ($4.00 seniors and $6.00 general) Meetup/Departure Location: Masonic Cemetery

Mt Baldy from Martin St
2024-03-15
A section of the Ridgeline Trail system that isn’t as heavily used as the parts nearer Spencer Butte. It also offers alternate paths so it is not a straight out and back.

Gold Lake/Marilyn Lake
2024-03-15
We will park at Gold Lake sno-park near the summit of highway 58, carefully cross the highway and snowshoe through timber to the shores of Marilyn Lakes. Continuing north, we’ll reach the Gold Lake shelter near the shore of Gold Lake and take a lunch break. The route back fallows Gold Lake Road.

North Bank Habit Area
2024-03-16
We’ll hike CLOCKWISE 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 the mid 60sF.

Mt. Pisgah Long w/options
2024-03-17
Please note: The description below is from pre-ice storm trips. Changes to the route may be necessary, and be prepared to be flexible if we encounter unforeseen trail issues.
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.

Maxwell Shelter Snowshoe
2024-03-17
Snowshoe from Maxwell Snow Park to North Shelter. Roughly a 6 mile route via the Mt. View Loop Trail. You need to be in shape for this – there are many trail junctions and its important we stay together at a medium-moderate pace. The weather is unpredictable, so trip will reschedule or offer a different option if the conditions warrant it. Participants are limited to 12, but will be reduced if there aren’t enough drivers. Drivers need a snow park permit (REI, Bergs, Bi-Mart) vehicles should be AWD and/or carry chains.

Berley Lakes xski
2024-03-17
Let’s go find Berley Lakes! Always a challenge to get to Lower Berley, maybe we’ll find Upper Berley too! Start from Santiam Pass Snopark, head north through the burn in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness following the Santiam Lake trail and hang a left when we get close to Lower Berley Lake. Visit one or both lakes and return the same route. Drivers need a Sno-park Permit.

Mt Pisgah 6 Miler
2024-03-18
Meeting place; Mt Pisgah, west (main) trailhead by the restrooms. If you don’t have a Lane County pass, be sure to allow time to purchase one with debit/credit card (no cash) at the fee box near the main (trail #1) trailhead.
On this out and back trip we will hike north and clockwise around swing hill following trails 17, 7, and 3. We will continue north-east through the forest on trail 4 crossing to trail 1 via the 14 connector to the summit spending time to enjoy the view, snacks and hydrate. The route is roughly 6.3 miles out and back and should take 2-2.5 hours. Elevation gain is about 1600 feet.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2024-03-19, 2024-04-02
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!
2024-03-19 16:30 - 19:30
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) On some evenings, Obsidians Concessions will set out items for sale, so bring some cash or a check if you want to make a purchase some great Obsidians gear.

Pisgah East Side Loop
2024-03-22
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 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. Remove any valuables from your vehicle. There is a porta potty at the trailhead.
You may choose to eat at Sunrise Cafe with others after the hike.

Mt Baldy from Martin St
2024-03-22
This hike will be a bit longer than the one I had led in the past. We start at the usual Martin St. TH. We will hike to Fox Hollow TH then head east on the upper trail. After .7 miles we take the left fork downhill and connect with the “Dillard East” trail. We will continue to Baldy Summit via the left (steeper) trail with steps then continue to the junction taking a left down to the Spring Blvd TH. The return will be back to the junction with Baldy Summit and down the easier trail to East Dillard TH then back connecting with the lower trail to Fox Hollow and down to Martin street. This should be a 2.5 to 3 hour hike.

Campbell Center to Springfiel
2024-03-23
A longish but relatively easy walk from the Campbell Center to Springfield and back. We’ll mostly be walking on park trails. If it’s really pouring, we’ll shorten the route.

Mt Pisgah Sunset/Moonrise
2024-03-24
UPDATE Trail Closures as of Monday March 18. All of us will need to take the main trail to the top and for the descent. There is a new 3 ft. path of gravel in the center of the road/trail to the intersection for of Trail 4 (now closed). Look for us by my car a row or two down from the fee box. Please arrive before the departure time to check in. Moonrise is 7:12 pm and sunset is 7:30 pm (Full Moon is the next day, March 25). 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 parking pass, allow time to purchase one with Debit/Credit card (no cash) at the pay station by trailhead. If you need more time to hike to the summit, I should be there by 6:10.

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2024-03-26
Plan to be in the parking lot at 6:45. 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.
A RARE TREAT. This hike provides the unusual experience of being in the dark forest when the light of day slowly appears. Usually great colors.
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
2024-03-26
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 trail #2 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. Remove any valuables from your vehicle. There is a porta potty at the trailhead.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2024-03-27
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 8:15 to 8:30. TIME CHANGE NEXT WEEK
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.

North Bank Habit Area
2024-03-27
HIKE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 10TH, due to safety concerns due to weather
From Eugene, it is approximately 75 minutes to trailhead. Traveling south on the I-5, take exit 135, then North Bank Road. Starting at the West Trailhead, the group will hike the up the Blacktail Ridge Trail to the Boundary Ridge and connect with the lower Chasm Creek Trail. Counter-clockwise loop. The route has a continuous moderate grade with views of the Umpqua River and Coastal Range. Feel free to contact leader with any questions – heiditrails@gmail.com.
Map and area information: https://www.blm.gov/visit/north-bank-habitat-management-area

Summer Camp Rally - Camp Fontana
2024-03-29
Potluck
Mt. Baker

Summer Camp Rally - Camp Fontana
2024-03-29
If you plan on going to Camp Fontana near the Mt. Baker Wilderness area this Aug 12 through 18, 2024, you’ll want to attend this Potluck & Presentation. We’ll show slides of the Silver Lake Campground near Mt Baker, the beautiful surrounding area, and some of the best hikes. We’ll also share tips of what to bring, whet your appetite with meal descriptions, and discuss chore responsibilities. If you haven’t gone camping with us before, this will be a great opportunity to learn how we do it. If you’re an old hand, please come to share your stories and get inspired to join us on another great adventure.

Pisgah Arboretum Flowers/Trails
2024-03-29
Meet by bathrooms and the Patricia Baker Wildflower garden to see the pink fawn lilies.
We will stroll on trails like Incense Cedar, Jette, Hillside, Pond Lily, ZigZag , Wetland, Creek and others to see trillium, fawn lilies, chocolate lilies, camas and more.
Mileage and elevation is estimated. Perhaps around two hours. After our walk, it is optional for any to take the main trail to the summit.

Amazon Headwaters Brushing & Drainage
2024-03-30 09:00 - 12:00
Amazon Headwaters
Trail Maintenance

Easter Bunny Rides Again
2024-03-31
The Easter Bunny Rides Again-to Veneta”
Departure Time:10am from Twin Oaks Elemetary School, 85916 Bailey Hill Rd, Eugene
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/22331831
Extra credit: Since this ride will take place on Easter Sunday, you are encouraged to wear long ears, bushy tails, a Bugs Bunny outfit, etc.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2024-04-03
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.

Row River Path Trillium Walk
2024-04-05
The Row River Trail is a paved “rail to trail” that is wonderful for walks, biking and an occasional equestrian. After driving from LCC, this walk will start at the Mosby Creek Trailhead and walk to Dorena Dam. Frequent stops for photos and local history will take place. Dozens of Trillium will be in bloom along with other spring flowers, two covered bridges and two railroad bridges.The top of Dorena Dam offers a splendid view, often seeing a variety of birds.
If anyone wants to go to lunch afterward, I can suggest some local favorites.
