Fun Trail Facts
Keep your eyes peeled for the interesting topography around Rowena Ridge, which is considered to be the result of earthquake sorting, soil accumulation by plants, critters burrowing, and freezing/thawing cycles.
McCall Point is named after Thomas Lawson McCall, Oregon's iconic governor from 1967 to 1975.
McCall Point is named after Thomas Lawson McCall, Oregon's iconic governor from 1967 to 1975.
Trail Info
| Hike/Section Name McCall Point County & State Wasco County, Oregon Ecoregion Eastern Cascades Slopes and Foothills | Oak/Conifer Foothills Latitude & Longitude (DEC) 45.6687312, -121.3039614 Family Friendliness Only if you're holding the wee ones most of the way. The ridge here is no joke, nor is the poison oak or the ticks. Hike Difficulty Moderate [not full of steeper ascents and descents, but definitely a workout] Elevation 1,719 Feet Elevation Gain 1,070 Feet Distance 3.6 Miles Route Type Out and Back Access to Trailhead Very easy access to Rowena Crest Trailhead; No gravel roads. |
Trip Report
Feeling the need for some serious wildflowers, the lad and I embarked on a journey into the Columbia Gorge. Named for former Oregon Governor, Tom McCall, this stunning hike is easily accessible via the Rowena Crest Trailhead.
A note that deserves repeating - I would NOT take young children on this hike unless you are holding them nearly every step of the way. Your companion for good stretches of the trail is a cliff-edge view that goes straight down. For reference, see William Sullivan's graphic of the hike:
A note that deserves repeating - I would NOT take young children on this hike unless you are holding them nearly every step of the way. Your companion for good stretches of the trail is a cliff-edge view that goes straight down. For reference, see William Sullivan's graphic of the hike:
William Sullivan, Oregon.com
We only ran into one tick, but I also think that we were just a week or so shy of seeing that little bugger population explosion. The poison oak was everywhere immediately off the trail.
With those little caveats out of the way, I have gotta say that this was one of the neatest hikes I have taken with my son. It started a little rough, as the wind that day was appropriately blustery, especially near the trailhead. Once we got going and started gaining elevation, the wildflowers started melting both of our minds. The lad's enthusiasm for the bright colors and pure volume was infectious.
The trail was not crowded at all, and the few folks we passed and met left us with stories for life:
Nigel, who cemented a story about being comfortable in one's own skin.
Susan, who gave us some Ghirardelli for a caloric jolt.
Thank you both.
We only went up to McCall Point and skipped on the second summit further out, which will probably be much more inviting the next time we're up there. For this hike, the views over Rowena Crest and Dell were simply phenomenal. For mid-April, we were treated to some great weather and lovely wildflowers. Many thanks to the Nature Conservancy, other agency owners, and volunteers for providing such an amazing place.
With those little caveats out of the way, I have gotta say that this was one of the neatest hikes I have taken with my son. It started a little rough, as the wind that day was appropriately blustery, especially near the trailhead. Once we got going and started gaining elevation, the wildflowers started melting both of our minds. The lad's enthusiasm for the bright colors and pure volume was infectious.
The trail was not crowded at all, and the few folks we passed and met left us with stories for life:
Nigel, who cemented a story about being comfortable in one's own skin.
Susan, who gave us some Ghirardelli for a caloric jolt.
Thank you both.
We only went up to McCall Point and skipped on the second summit further out, which will probably be much more inviting the next time we're up there. For this hike, the views over Rowena Crest and Dell were simply phenomenal. For mid-April, we were treated to some great weather and lovely wildflowers. Many thanks to the Nature Conservancy, other agency owners, and volunteers for providing such an amazing place.
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