The Columbia River Gorge in Oregon is one of the most beautiful road trips you can do in the United States and the Rowena Crest offers up stunning views in every direction. With the beauty of the Tom McCall Nature Preserve and one very photogenic horseshoe curved road Rowena Crest is a great addition to any Oregon road trip and deserves a place on your fall bucket list. Whether you just want a quick stop with a big payoff or want to stretch your legs out with a great hike Rowena Plateau is a must for any journey along the Columbia River Gorge.
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How to Get to Rowena Crest
Rowena Point is a great day trip from Portland and is only about a 90 minute drive and also just 25 minutes from Hood River. Take I 84 to exit 69 (Mosier) and then take the scenic Historic Columbia River Highway for 7 miles heading east, you’ll then see a big sign for “Rowena Crest”.
Best Time to Visit Rowena Crest
While you can drive up to the viewpoint anytime of year spring and fall are particularly stunning. Late spring the hills around Rowena Crest erupt in a riot of color with over 300 varieties of wildflowers in bloom. Fall brings a different show with trees ablaze in shades of gold and orange. Summers are typically hot and dry while winters are cool and cloudy.While you can walk along the Rowena Plateau Trail year round be aware the Tom McCall Nature Preserve Trail is only open from May 1- October 31.
Hikes at Rowena Crest
Rowena Plateau Trail
The Rowena Plateau Trail is an easy, flat trail with a big payoff. Walk along the edge of Rowena Plateau for amazing views of the Columbia River and the basalt cliffs of the gorge. This out and back trail is about 2 miles round trip with a gentle 250 foot elevation change.
Tom McCall Nature Preserve
For a slightly more challenging (but overall moderate hike) choose the Tom McCall Nature Preserve Trail. This trail climbs over 1000 feet and is 3.25 miles round trip with great views of the famous horseshoe bend, Rowena Plateau itself and 270 degree views of the Columbia Gorge to the east and west. As part of the Nature Conservancy dogs are not permitted on this trail so leave your furry four-legged buddies at home for this one.
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Vanessa Shields says
What beautiful views! I used to live in Portland but don’t think I ever did this hike. There is so much amazing hikes up there. Adding this to the list for when I visit next! 😁
Josy A says
Oooh nice the Rowena Plateau Trail sounds fantastic! Easy, but with that beeeeautiful payoff! Are there longer trails if you keep going? I feel like I’d not be ready to turn back once I’d seen those gorgeous views!
Andi says
Still continue to be impressed with this trip! The hike looks great and I really like hiking in cool weather.