The weather was gorgeous this hike day – sunny and
mild temperatures. This was a shuttle hike near
Eugene from Blanton Rd to Spencer Butte to Spencer
Butte Parking Lot – a total of about 5 ½ miles
and about 1100 ft elevation gain.
14 club hikers left Blanton Rd on the Ridgeline
Trail and proceeded approximately 2 miles to
Willamette St. The mixed forest of hardwoods and
evergreens along with the abundant ferns and large
amounts of moss provided a very vibrant green
landscape along with the sun streaming through the
tree canopy. A few trilliums and other wild
flowers were blooming also. After crossing
Willamette St we continued on the Ridgeline Tr –
muddy in places from the recent rains - towards
Spencer Butte with the same vibrant green
landscape. Spencer Butte is a rock mass which
requires hiking (clambering) up over 500 ft. in
the last ½ mile. The views were worth it however
as we ate our lunch and gazed at the 360 o
views. The citys of Eugene, Springfield, and
The Three Sisters, Mt Jefferson, Mt Washington,
Three Fingered Jack, Mt June, and others were
clearly seen - it was gorgeous with full sun. Then
it was down and out to Spencer Butte Parking Lot
where we had a shuttle car.
After gathering all cars and hikers we loaded up,
and some of us went down to Prince Pucklers on 19th
St for some of the best homemade ice cream we have
ever had (Mandarin Chocolate was scrumptious). Too
bad some missed it. A fitting end to a great day.
Happy Trails - Ray Jensen
