Rowena Crest Viewpoint
Mosier, OR
A viewpoint above the looping curves of the Historic Columbia River Highway, next to the Tom McCall Preserve. Wildflowers cover the plateau in April and May; the grassy trails are open to walkers only.
Rowena Crest is a viewpoint on the Historic Columbia River Highway (US 30) east of Mosier, Oregon, high above the Columbia River Gorge. From Interstate 84, take exit 69 (Mosier) and continue about 6.7 miles (roughly 11 kilometers) along the Historic Highway.
The Tom McCall Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy, adjoins the viewpoint. On the plateau, a short, flat trail crosses meadows that bloom in spring; arrowleaf balsamroot and lupine are typical, with flowers from March to June and a peak in April and May. If you want more, hike to McCall Point: depending on the source, 3.4 to 4 miles round trip with 1,000 to 1,200 feet (about 330 to 365 meters) of climbing and a 270-degree view that reaches Mount Adams and Mount Hood on clear days.
Tips: the preserve is open from March 1 to October 31, dogs are not allowed, and shade is scarce. No pass is needed, and there is a donation box at the trailhead. April and May get crowded, so arrive early (as of October 2026; check the season in advance).
- Nearest town
- Mosier, OR
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 45.6829, -121.3013
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Columbia Hills State Park CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Rowena Crest ViewpointTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Moss Creek CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Rowena Crest ViewpointTentsCaravans
- Big Cedars CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Rowena Crest ViewpointTentsCaravans
- A LoopCampsite19 mi from Rowena Crest Viewpoint · 34 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Wyeth CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Rowena Crest ViewpointTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Home Valley CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Rowena Crest ViewpointTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Rowena Crest Viewpoint?
Rowena Crest Viewpoint is in Mosier, OR, at GPS 45.6829, -121.3013. It is about 9 mi from The Dalles.
Can you camp near Rowena Crest Viewpoint?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lyle Treaty Fishing Access Site Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 49 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Rowena Crest Viewpoint?
Rowena Crest Viewpoint is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Columbia Gorge east: Crown Point to Maryhill.
What is there to see near Rowena Crest Viewpoint?
Places worth a stop nearby: Columbia Hills Historical State Park (10 mi), Maryhill Stonehenge (24 mi), Timberline Lodge (31 mi) and Trillium Lake (35 mi).
When is the best time to visit Rowena Crest Viewpoint?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)