From the Obsidian Constitution
"(The objects are) .....to explore the mountains, lakes, streams and trails of
the Northwest and more particularly the country surrounding the upper Willamette
Valley; to get together for mutual benefit those who find pleasure on mountain,
forest and stream; to encourage our citizens to enjoy the outdoors and to see
its value as a community asset; to promote expeditions into the mountains; to
develop the winter sports of skiing, snow shoeing, etc.; to preserve by all
reasonable means the natural beauties of forest, stream and other features of
mountain scenery; to aid and assist as far as possible in the acquisition of
geological and biological information concerning our country; to promote and aid
educational programs to further the above objects; to promote the general
welfare."
Who Are The Obsidians
Organized in 1927 by a group of men from Eugene who were concerned about a mountaineering accident, the Obsidians have grown to more than 500 people actively involved in a wide variety of outdoor activities.
What We Do
| The Obsidian Trips
Committee schedules trips and outings the year round. These vary from easy afternoon walks to strenuous hikes and
overnight backpacks. We hike the
trails through deep forest or across lava beds, visit wilderness lakes, climb up
rocky crags to high promontories, saunter along ocean beaches, camp near
glacier-fed torrents, or stand in admiration of flower-filled mountain meadows.
When the snow begins to fly in the high country, our thoughts turn to
cross country skiing and other outdoor winter sports.
In all these activities, the ultimate objective is to explore the more
scenic areas of our environment, and savor to the fullest the aesthetic
experience of wildness. |
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The Byways-by-Bus Committee regularly sponsors bus trips to points of interest both in and out of state - the Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, the Rogue River Canyon, Columbia Gorge, Alaska, and many other places. The trips may vary from one-day excursions to multi-day trips covering several states. |
For many Obsidians, the high point of the year is the annual Summer Camp, a week long campout with meals provided. The location of past Summer Camps reads like a roster of scenic Northwest America: The Wallowas, the Grand Tetons, the High Sierras, the Sawtooths, the North Cascades, the Strawberries and of course the Oregon Cascades, to name but a few! |
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Most major peaks in the
Oregon Cascades are climbed several times each season; Washington and California
peaks less often, but regularly. Climbs
vary in difficulty from walk-ups to technical rock and snow climbing.
The latter class of climbs are “limited”, meaning the leader will
allow only experienced climbers to participate.
Most of the climbs are two-day trips or longer.
A Climbing School is held annually each spring.
Two climbing awards may be earned. The
first is the Three Peak Award that goes to any member successfully climbing the
Three Sisters. The second is the
Ten Peak Award, which is presented to those who conquer the ten major Oregon
peaks. |
These are fun activities that serve the Obsidians in many ways. Guests are always welcome to participate in our activities. Modest fess are charged to cover expenses and car pooling costs are shared for most activities.
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Obsidian Facilities The Obsidian Lodge is located on a wooded, 4-1/2 acre tract in southeast Eugene. The Lodge, a large rustic, two-story structure, provides a convenient place for social and other club functions. It is here that monthly social and educational activities take place. These meetings, mostly potluck suppers, are followed by social or educational activities, often a slideshow presentation, featuring matters of interest to Obsidians and guests such as travel, outdoor activities or conservation. |
Obsidian Organization
The affairs of the Club
are managed under the provisions of a written constitution and by-laws.
The responsibility for this management is delegated by the membership to
an elected Board of Directors - nine active members - who meet monthly.
Most of the field work of the Club is accomplished through standing
committees. Some of these are: Summer Trips, Winter
Trips, Climbing, Bus Trips, Trail Maintenance, Summer Camp, Buildings,
Membership, Conservation, Publications and Entertainment.
The chairpersons of these committees are appointed by the Board annually.