Tom McCall Point from Rowena Crest

The walk starts at the Rowena Crest viewpoint on the Historic Columbia River Highway, reached from I-84 at Mosier, Exit 69. The Tom McCall Point Trail heads south from the viewpoint and climbs steadily, beside cliffs and through scattered oaks, to Tom McCall Point, the top of the preserve. The view runs along the Columbia River and across to Mount Adams. Return the same way.

It is 3.6 miles (5.8 km) round trip with 980 feet (299 m) of climbing; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Easy: a short, steady climb on a narrow path.

The Nature Conservancy owns the preserve and opens it only from March 1 to October 31, to protect the ground in the wetter months. Dogs are not allowed at any time, because of ground-nesting birds. Watch for ticks, poison oak and rattlesnakes, and for steep drop-offs and slippery stretches on the trail. Long sleeves and long pants, tucked in, help against ticks.

The slopes are known for their wildflowers in spring. There is no fee, and no pass is needed. There are no toilets at the trailhead. A second, easier trail from the same viewpoint crosses the Rowena Plateau to the north.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.