Camp Lake
2023-07-19
Camp Lake’s location between the Middle and South Sisters make it one of the most scenic destinations in the Three Sisters Wilderness plus the lake’s sand beaches and bottom and crystal clear waters makes it one of my favorite swimming lakes so bring your water shoes and rubber ducky. We’ll be starting at the Pole Creek trailhead, an area that was burned in 2018, so we’ll be getting lots of sun for the first 4 miles. After the hike we’ll stop at Takoda’s in Sisters for dinner before we drive home. A long drive and hike plus dinner make this an all day adventure so don’t make any other plans for this day.

Erma Bell Lakes Loop
2023-07-19
This loop located just inside the Three Sisters Wilderness will take us by five lakes and a waterfall. Erma Bell Lakes trail #3563 is quite popular and was recently cleared and reopened, but shouldn’t be too busy mid-week. We’ll park at Skookum Creek Campground, about 35 miles east of Westfir, where each vehicle will need a Recreation Pass. If you already have a Recreation Pass, please bring it so we can make sure each vehicle will have one.
We’ll hike by all three Erma Bell Lakes (Lower, Middle and Upper) and check out the waterfall between Lower and Middle Erma Bell Lakes. To make it a loop, we’ll hang a left about a mile past Upper Erma Bell Lake to Williams Lake Trail #3589 and Irish Mountain Trail #3588, which will add Williams Lake and Otter Lake to our hike. Be prepared for mosquitoes, and I’ve heard it may be a little muddy as we pass near Otter Lake.

Take Me Out to the Ballpark
2023-07-19
Join us for a Springfield Drifters Baseball Game vs the Walla Walla Sweets! The Hamlin Sports Complex is only two years old and is a great facility. General Admission Tickets are $7 and food and beverages are available. Look for us on the top row on the first base side. The game starts at 6:35 PM, come a bit early to get settled. Meetup/Departure Location: Hamlin Sports Complex, 1544 5th St, Spfd

Pisgah East Side Loop
2023-07-21
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.

Cone Peak & Iron Mtn
2023-07-21
This is one of the premier wildflower hikes in the Cascades and they are at peak! The pace will be moderate, but steady. We will go counterclockwise, starting on the Cone Peak Trail through alpine meadows, stopping to identify many of the flowers and admire the views. Then up the steep trail to the Iron Mountain platform for lunch. On a clear day, one can see all the major peaks from Mt Adams to Diamond Peak!

Annual Beach Barefoot
2023-07-22
Join me on my Annual Obsidian barefoot hike. This year we will start at Holman Vista day use area.
We will first cross 20-25” deep Sutton Creek and then hike on the beach north, cross 10” deep Berry Creek and continue to the Darko’s Hidden Cove. After the snack break we will hike back pretty much same way. Low tide (0.1 ft) will be at 10:40 AM.
✯ We are designed to walk barefoot but evolved to shoe wearing creatures. Barefoot walking is candid way to feel the earth under your feet. There are many health benefits and some risks associated with going barefoot. Please use common sense. Carry sandals or (and) thick socks and use in case you are unable to handle sand under your feet.
Let’s feel the sand!

Cowhorn Mountain
2023-07-22
This is a loop hike that will start at Timpanogas Lake and progress in a clockwise direction. The last part of the climb to the summit of Cowhorn is a bit of a scramble so some people prefer to wait below. We’ll then descent to Indigo Lake and take the time for a swim before heading back to our trailhead. I have encountered mosquitoes in this area but mostly around the lakes. After the hike we’ll stop in Oakridge for dinner. This is an all day adventure so plan on getting home late.

South Eugene Meadows Tour
2023-07-22
Meet at the trailhead 5004 Blanton Road where there are 8 parking spaces on the south side of road. I’ll email directions and/or if we need to meet at the Blanton Ridge Trailhead and carpool the short distance to SEM. The tour will include the location of the proposed new 3 mile trail, the boundaries, and the 50 ft. easement along 52nd. See the front page of the June Bulletin for more information. Plan on 1 ½ hours. John Winquist, Eugene Parks Foundation Board member, will lead the tour.

Mt Thielsen
2023-07-22 00:00 - 2023-07-23 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
Mt Thielsen is about a 10 mile climb with 3,800 feet of elevation gain and there is a long section of loose scree to hike up. The technical pitch at the top is really fun……I will set up a fixed rope for our group to ascend and then we will rappel from the top. The views from the summit are awesome!

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2023-07-25
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.

Wild Iris Ridge Trailhead Improvements
2023-07-26
For this month’s outing we’ll be working on trailhead improvements for the Wild Iris Ridge Trailhead. Our tasks will include string trimming along the fence, cutting back blackberries, and cleaning the kiosk.
Meet at the Wild Iris Ridge parking lot, the gravel lot on Bailey Hill Road. Work party goes from 5:30-8 pm.

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2023-07-26, 2023-08-02
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.

Fawn/Stag Lakes
2023-07-26
This hike is a loop that starts at the Crescent Lake Campground. It’s about 3.5 miles to Fawn Lake and another 1.5 to Stag Lake. We’ll have our lunch at Stag Lake and check out the potential for swimming. I’ve never been to Stag Lake in the summer so this part of the trip will be new to me. After lunch we’ll head back to Fawn Lake then continue the loop past Pretty Lake then back to our trailhead. I have tried to go swimming in Pretty Lake and it’s awful. A stop in Oakridge for dinner after the hike is a possibility.
Warning: Depending on the year mosquitoes can sometimes get pretty bad in this area so be prepared.

Evening hike: 52nd to Blanton
2023-07-26
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.

Red Buttes Wilderness Bkpk
2023-07-28 00:00 - 2023-07-31 23:59
Come hike ancient old growth to the headwaters of the Applegate River and return following the Siskiyou crest and PCT on this loop backpack around the Red Buttes Wilderness. Friday depart Eugene southbound, passing Applegate lake to Horsecamp TH where we will drop a shuttle car on the way to Shoofly TH. Hike Butte Fork of the Applegate River approx 4 mi 600’ to camp. Saturday continue up Butte Fork to Cedar Flat and join the Lonesome Lk trail ascending to camp near the crest 6 mi 1800’. Sunday join the Boundary Trail and follow the Siskiyou crest east to the Pacific Crest Trail 8 mi 400’ and camp near Kangaroo springs. Monday continue along the PCT traversing north below the Red Buttes proper and descend to Horse Camp TH 7mi. Collect shuttle car and return to Eugene.

Mt Washington
2023-07-29
Let’s climb Mt Washington! We’ll start in the dark, hike the PCT for about 4 miles then hit the climbers trail. Will pop out on a ridge and make our way to a rocky saddle where we’ll put on our harnesses. Then we do 3 rope pitches of climbing. It’s more than scrambling. There are some 5th class moves, you get your money’s worth. We’ll rappel back off the 3 pitches and pick our way back to the climbers trail. Plan on a 12 – 15 hour long day. It’ll be great. Meetup/Departure Location: TBD

No Name Lake
2023-07-29
Oregon doesn’t have a lot of hikes to high Alpine lakes but with great panoramic views and a beautiful lake at the base of a rugged peak this is one of the best in the state. We’ll start this hike at the Three Creek Lakes trailhead to Tam McArthur Rim and return the same route. There will be lots of sun exposure on this hike so don’t forget the sunscreen. We” be stopping in Sisters after the hike for dinner.
There’s a $1 fee to cover the cost of the permit
This hike is open to 12 but that number really depends on how many permits I’m able to secure. Currently the road to Three Creek Lake is closed for maintenance. It is scheduled to reopen July 21st.
If it’s a nice enough day I might go for a swim so you’re welcome to join me.
Please arrive prior to the 7am departure time so we don’t leave without you.

Upper Alpine trail
2023-07-30
Last segment of Alpine Trail finishing near Alpine ridge.
CLOSED TRAIL DUE TO BEDROCK FIRE

Pisgah wandertrails
2023-07-30
Hiking less known trails of beloved hill.
Mileage and elevation gain are approximate.

Brice Creek hike & water play
2023-07-31
Brice Creek is a lovely stream with many deep pools and rippling water to play in.
Meet at the LCC parking lot at 8am to carpool. I live near Cottage Grove and will meet you in the Cottage Grove Walmart parking lot near the LTD bus stop. I drive a red Ford Escape. We’ll drive up Row River Road for 20 miles and take a right at Brice Creek Road, parking at Cedar Creek Trailhead 6 miles up.
The trail follows the stream through beautiful forests and rocky bluffs. When we reach the last trailhead near Champion Creek, we’ll turn around and go back. Multiple stops can be made along the creek. Swimming or wading are options for you. Lunch will be streamside when we like.

testing
2023-08-01

Blanton Ridge to Spencer Butte
2023-08-01, 2023-08-08
We will start on time at 6:45am. 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.

Evening Hike Mt. Pisgah
2023-08-02
Evening hike: 6:00 pm, meet at the north trailhead parking area. This hike will not be going to the top of Mt Pisgah. We will walk around the base on trails #3-17-35 and through the Arboretum area then return to our cars.
This hike is a moderate (not easy) pace with over 600 feet elevation gain. You must bring water with you.

Pisgah East Side Loop
2023-08-04
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. Optional brunch/lunch following hike at the Sunrise Cafe on hwy 58.

Meteorite and more
2023-08-04
Our campus walk includes Obsidian Dean John Straub’s monument at the Pioneer Cemetery, Willamette Meteorite sculpture and photographs in Straub Hall atrium, Willamette Meteorite replica at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Learn about the meteorite’s human history. Admission to the museum is free on the first Friday of the month so it will be easy to view other exhibits. Optional: visit the art museum (also free), eat pizza at Hey Neighbor, or extend your hike across the river.

Sawtooth Mountains
2023-08-06 00:00 - 2023-08-12 23:59
Summer Camp registration for this year is CLOSED. Plan on next year!
Summer Camp is in the Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho area. Registration for Obsidians who have been members for at least 30 days will open at 7AM on April 15. Registration for non-members and members who joined after March 15, 2023 will open on April 17. A booklet with lots of information will be available to registrants at the May 19 potluck.
*DOWNLOAD YOUR REGISTRATION FORM FROM THE OBSIDIAN WEBSITE/ SUMMER CAMP LINK*

Amazon Hdwtrs/Spencer Butte
2023-08-09
***MARTIN ST PART OF TH CLOSED, SO LEAVING FROM 52ND AND WILLAMETTE*****
NOTE: Flexible departure time from 7:45 to 8:00.
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.
