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Senior Citizen Travel & Vacation
Obsidian Hikers Invite Senior Citizens to ‘Take a
Hike’ During Olympic Trials
Bach Festival also happens as club hosts 22
hikes in western Oregon
 Feb.
29, 2008 - The Obsidians outdoors club of Eugene, Oregon - mostly senior
citizens - has announced a schedule of 22 hikes for visitors to this
summer’s U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials and concurrent Oregon Bach
Festival. Outings include 12 coastal, forest and mountain hikes and 10
urban hikes, presenting visitors an introduction to both the natural
wonders of western Oregon and the unique attractions of Track Town, USA.
The trials will run from June 27 through July 6,
with a two-day break in action on July 1 and 2. The Oregon Bach Festival
runs from June 27 through July 13.
For those individuals and families using these
events as the basis for more extended vacations to the area, Obsidian
hikes will be offered during the weeks before and after the trials, as
well as during the two-day break in the middle.
Obsidians, Inc. is an 80-year-old not-for-profit,
all volunteer, organization with more than 500 members, many of whom are
seniors citizens. An audit of the club several years ago revealed that
the average Obsidian was age 62. While that average is probably
in the same range today, members range in age from juniors (under 18)
through elders in their 80s and 90s.
Quite a few of the oldest members have been in the
club for more than 50 years…starting out as mountain climbers, going
though their hiking years and now exploring the Pacific Northwest via
the Obsidians’ frequent bus trips. Many married couples met their mates
on the trails and passed their love of the outdoors on to their children
and grandchildren, who have also become Obsidians.
The older hikers – those in their 60s and 70s, are
also the club’s most active hike leaders. Many are convinced that hiking
has helped keep them healthy and fit. Visitors signing up for hikes
during the Olympic Trials and Bach Festival are likely to have such
seniors leading their trips…men and women with lots of experience
leading some of their favorite hikes.
On the mornings of the meet, the Obsidians will
lead urban hikes along the city’s riverside paths and forested ridgeline
trails, as well as pilgrimages to the Steve Prefontaine Memorial (“Pre’s
Rock”) and a togas optional tour of “Animal House” film locations.
The full schedule (presented below) is available
along with additional information and registration procedures online at
www.obsidians.org/otrials. The website can also be accessed through
the Obsidians primary home page at
www.obsidians.org. All sign-ups will be done online using a unique
registration system designed by the Obsidians just for this project.
There will be a $5 nonmember fee per person with a
suggested sharing of driving costs. Most hikes will be easy to moderate,
in the five to six-mile range.
Obsidian Olympic Trials/Bach Festival Hike
Schedule
Monday, June 23
Washburne/China Creek Loops -- An easy coastal hike
along the surf and tide pools, up the Hobbit Trail and along a babbling
brook through the forest. (5 miles/400 ft.)
Tuesday, June 24
Kentucky Falls -- Discover three of the Coast
Range’s most spectacular waterfalls in an easy hike that descends into a
magnificent remote rainforest (return is, of course, uphill). (4.4
miles/800 ft.)
Wednesday, June 25
Clear Lake -- An easy hike around a pristine
mountain lake. Cross ancient lava flow and see where the McKenzie River
is born. Scan the sky for eagles and osprey. (5.5 miles/200 ft.)
Thursday, June 26 (Two Hikes)
Brice Creek -- Follow a lovely creek under a canopy
of old growth forest past small pools and waterfalls. Leader has two
easy to moderate hike options -- a 5.5-mile (600 ft.) one-way hike
involving a car shuttle or a 11-mile (1,200 ft.)“out-and-back” trip
along the same trail.
Spencer Butte -- Towering over Eugene, Spencer
Butte tops the city’s south hills. This moderately difficult hike starts
at the headwaters of Amazon Creek and follows the Ridgeline Trail. (6
miles/1,600 ft.)
Friday, June 27 (Two Morning Urban Hikes)
Delta Ponds -- Naturalist Rick Ahrens guides hikers
through an easy meandering tour of the ponds’ abundant vegetation,
waterfowl and other animal life.
Pre’s Rock -- At the time of his death, Steve
Prefontaine held all the American records from 2,000 to 10,000 meters.
The easy hike to Pre’s Memorial (and nearby Hendricks Park) has become a
pilgrimage for many track fans. (3.5 miles/300 ft.)
Saturday, June 28 (Two Morning Urban Hikes)
Mt. Pisgah -- A very popular hike done several
times a week by many locals, this route climbs from a wonderful
arboretum along the Willamette River to pinnacle featuring Ken Kesey's
fascinating memorial to his son Jeb. (3 miles/1,000 ft.)
Library to Skinner Butte -- A wandering tour of
downtown Eugene, including the colorful Saturday Market, historic
landmarks and a great overview of Eugene from the top of the city’s
northern butte. (3-4 miles/250 ft.)
Sunday, June 29 (Morning Urban Hike)
River Walk/Pre’s Trail -- Steve Prefontaine liked
the soft running paths he saw in Scandinavia. Following his death a
similar path was created in Eugene’s Alton Baker Park. This easy walk
combines Pre’s Trail with a portion of the wonderful riverside trail. (4
miles/no altitude gain)
Monday, June 30 (Morning Urban Hike)
Amazon Headwaters to Raptor Center -- An easy hike
up the Amazon Headwaters Trail to the Eugene Raptor Center, where
naturalist Rick Ahrens will talk turkey with eagles, hawks, owls,
vultures and other birds of the Pacific Northwest. (3 miles/500 ft.)
Tuesday, July 1 (Two Hikes)
Washburne Loop/Hobbit Trail/Lighthouse -- Similar
to the June 23rd hike, but a little more difficult with additional climb
to Heceta Head Lighthouse. Tour lighthouse and look out for whales. (5.5
miles/800 ft.)
Little Belknap -- A moderately difficult hike along
the Pacific Crest Trail following a lava flow to its source in a cave
atop Little Belknap. Great Cascade vistas. Hike subject to cancellation
or change if trail not open yet for summer. (5.2 miles/1,100 ft.)
Wednesday, July 2
Iron Mountain -- Wildflowers, Cascade panoramas and
more wildflowers. Moderately difficult trail steadily climbs through old
growth forest with huge variety of trees and plant species. (6.6
miles/1.900 ft.)
Thursday, July 3 (Morning Urban Hike)
Pre’s Rock -- Repeat of June 23rd hike
Friday, July 4
Butte to Butte Race/No Hikes Scheduled
Saturday, July 5 (Morning Urban Hike)
Island Park to Autzen Bridge -- Take the Em-X
(Eugene’s version of “rapid transit”) to Springfield and then walk back
via Island Park, Alton Baker Park, Willamette River Trail and along part
of Pre’s Trail. (about 5 miles/no altitude gain)
Sunday, July 6 (Morning Urban Hike)
“Animal House” -- See where some of the filming was
done, where some of the madcap antics were supposed to have taken place.
An easy 3-5 mile stroll. Togas optional!
Monday, July 7
Washburne/China Creek Loops -- Repeat of June 23rd
hike
Tuesday, July 8
Rigdon Meadows/Indigo & Chuckle Springs -- Learn a
bit of pioneer history on the old Oregon Central Military Wagon Road
while exploring beautiful forest trails along the Middle Fork of the
Willamette River. Moderately difficult hike with some tricky creek
crossings (6.3 miles/400 ft.). Leader may opt for an easier 4.2-mile/200
ft. hike.
Wednesday, July 9
Gwynn Creek, Cape Perpetua -- Magnificent vistas
overlooking the Pacific Ocean (see a whale?) await hikers on this
moderately difficult trail. Includes a stop at the visitor center and
short side trips to the “blow hole” and overlook (where, on a clear day
you can see forever).
(7 miles/1,100 ft.)
Thursday, July 10
Salt Creek Falls -- Second highest waterfall in
Oregon, atop Willamette Pass. Easy trail loops from top of Salt Creek
Falls along canyon rim to lacy Diamond Falls. (3.4 miles/400 ft.)
Friday, July 11
Lowder Mountain -- Have your lunch overlooking twin
lakes a thousand feet below and, on a clear day, see every Cascade peak
from Mt. Hood in north to Diamond in south, with the Three Sisters right
in front! Moderate difficulty. (6 miles/900 ft.)
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