Rowena Plateau

Distance: 2.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 260 feet.

The Rowena Plateau is a basalt-lined scablands that juts out over the Columbia River and Rowena Creek. This area was carved from the hillsides when giant ice-age floods, 1,000 feet deep, came rushing down the Columbia 15,000 years ago. Now, the trail along this plateau can allow you to view some of this geologic wonder, first hand. And if you time your hike right, the flowers here are absolutely amazing.

The hike along the Rowena Plateau begins at the Rowena Crest Viewpoint on the historic Highway 30. The road up to the viewpoint is a scenic adventure all in itself and once there, don’t forget to look over the edge of the shear faced plateau for some ahh inspiring views, right there at your car. This area is owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy as the Tom McCall Preserve and his open between March 1 and October 31. There are no dogs allowed though, so keep little Fido at home.

The trail heads out across Highway 30 from the viewpoint parking lot. Yellow Balsamroot blooms everywhere, with lupine and other flowers mixed in. The trail heads through some flowery meadows and then passes across the throat of the plateau. Keep to the left and the hike towards the point of Rowena Plateau, as there are a few trails that head off to the right.

Soon, you will pass one, and then another small pond. These ponds harbor some of the densest vegetation on the plateau, but be careful, as they are also thick with poison oak. These ponds are actually called a kolk and were creating by whirlpools during those ice-age floods.

After passing the second pond, again keep to the left as the trail heads out to the point. There are some cool views out of the Columbia here. Once done turn around and head back. Once you reach the kolk pond, stay to the left and follow the trail as it hugs the edge of the cliffs. Enjoy the views over the Columbia and across the river to the mouth of the Klickitat River. Again, there will be side trails off to your right but if you stay left, this trail will march you around the edge of the plateau and rejoin the main trail right before the first kolk. Bear left and hike back up to the trailhead to complete your journey. If you are eager for a few more miles and don't mind a nice, steep climb, the McCall Point trail can be found right across the road and makes a great pairing with this hike.

Directions

To reach the Rowena Crest Viewpoint and the McCall Point trailhead, if you are traveling from Hood River and the west, take I-84 east and exit at exit 69 towards US-30 in Mosier. Then just follow Highway 30 for 6.6 miles until you see the viewpoint. It will be on our left and have signs and stuff.

If you are heading from The Dalles and the east, again, hop onto i-84 but this time, head west. Take exit 76 towards Rowena and Mayer State Park. Then hop onto Highway 30 and continue west for 2.6 miles as you wind up the cliffs on your way to the viewpoint.

Things to Know

Passes: No passes are required.

Dogs: Not allowed.

Usage: Moderate - Heavy during the wildflower bloom.

Flowers: Flowers will typically start blooming sometime after Mid April and continue towards Mid-May.

Open Season: Open March 1 to October 31.

Hazards: There are areas along the trail, many in the oaks, where there is poison oak. Ticks are also very prominant in the spring.