Question
We have a very very steep hill (30-40 ft.) in a somewhat wooded area of our backyard. It runs down to a small creek. We need some utilitarian steps to make it easier to get up and down. Somewhat blending in so as not to draw too much attention to them. What do you recommend?

Answer
These may look too formal, but here is a paver step that looks pretty handsome:
http://www.steveoliverlandscaping.com/images/StepWalk.jpg

For something more rustic, here is another option, using railroad ties for walls and stairs:
http://www.stagnerlandscape.com/rrtie.htm

You can also use large ledge-stones, too. If you stagger groups of stairs (3 to 5) instead of one big run of treads, it looks better, too.

If you chose concrete, here is a helpful link:
http://www.masonrycontractor.org/masonrycontractor06.php

So there are at least 4 suggestions.  30 feet is quite a drop, so I'd also zig-zag the path/stairs, if you have the room.  It would "blend" them in better that way.  ~Marc