Friends of the Columbia Gorge: Tom McCall Nature Preserve

Trail Alert, Mar 27, 2020:

Most trails in the Columbia Gorge are now closed to the public due to the social distancing measures enacted by local and state health officials in Oregon and Washington. Friends of the Columbia Gorge is urging all members of the to public to stay local and give Gorge trails a break. If you can get to a neighborhood recreation spot by walking or biking, even better. Check the U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department or Washington State Parks websites for additional information and breaking updates.

Please Note:

• This trail is open from May 1 - October 31 only.
• No dogs are allowed since this is a nature preserve.
• There are no restrooms here. The closest option is at Mayer State Park.

The Tom McCall Nature Preserve is managed by the Nature Conservancy who has worked to preserve the fauna and flora here. Ecologists work to monitor rare plant populations. Starting in spring, volunteers lead interpretive hikes.

The Rowena Plateau is a shorter, flatter hike option from this trailhead/nature preserve.

History

This nature preserve between Mosier and The Dalles is named for Oregon Governor Thomas Lawson McCall, whose commitment to conservation in Oregon remains an inspiration. The Rowena Overlook, McCall Point, and Rowena Plateau are owned by the U.S. Forest Service, Oregon State Parks and the Nature Conservancy and offer some of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the Gorge each May.

Lyn Topinka, Columbia River Images

The 271-acre Tom McCall Nature Preserve is a plateau called "Rowena Plateau". It is located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River at River Mile (RM) 180, just west of Rowena Crest and east of the Oregon town of Mosier. Tom McCall Nature Preserve was named for one of Oregon's governors, Thomas Lawson McCall. Ownership and management of the preserve includes The Nature Conservancy, Mayer State Park and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There are two trails on the preserve. The 1-mile plateau trail begins at the interpretive sign at the entrance to the preserve and crosses Rowena Plateau to spectacular cliff edges. The trail also circles a permanent pond. A great view of the Rowena Creek drainage and Rowena Dell can be had from the cliff edge. The 3-mile McCall Point trail to the top of McCall Peak (open May through November) begins from the south side of the turnaround and gains 1,000 feet in elevation and provides a spectacular view of the area. Wildflowers are abundant in the spring.

Links

CLICK HERE to continue exploring the highway