Attractions and Places To See around Rowena - Top 7

Rowena is renowned for its breathtaking viewpoints. The iconic Rowena Crest offers panoramic vistas of the Columbia River Gorge and the famous Rowena Loops. Another excellent spot is Memaloose Lookout, providing photographic opportunities with views of the Memaloose Hills and Memaloose Island, especially on clear days. For expansive views of the Columbia River plateau, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood, visit the Tom McCall Preserve summit.

Yes, several attractions around Rowena are suitable for families. Both Memaloose Lookout and Rowena Crest are considered family-friendly viewpoints. The Twin Tunnels Segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is a paved path perfect for family cycling or walks, offering river views and passing through historic tunnels.

Rowena offers diverse hiking opportunities. The Rowena Crest serves as a trailhead for the adjacent Tom McCall Preserve. Within the preserve, you can find the easy one-mile Rowena Plateau Trail and the more challenging two-mile McCall Point Trail, which provides expansive views of the Columbia Gorge and Cascade mountain peaks (open May through October). For more running trails in the area, you can explore options like the Coyote Wall Loop Trail or routes from Mayer State Park on the Running Trails around Rowena guide.

The Tom McCall Preserve at Rowena is famous for its spectacular spring wildflowers. The best time to visit to see them in bloom is typically in late May or early June. During this period, you can expect to see balsamroot, lupine, wild parsley, penstemon, and wild lilies.

The region around Rowena is popular for cycling. The Historic Columbia River Highway itself offers scenic drives and cycling paths, including the famous Rowena Loops. The Twin Tunnels Segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, between Hood River and Mosier, is a completely paved path with river views and historic tunnels. For more extensive cycling adventures, check out the MTB Trails around Rowena or Gravel biking around Rowena guides.

Rowena is nestled within the stunning Columbia River Gorge, offering a wealth of natural beauty. Key features include the dramatic horseshoe curves of the Rowena Loops, the panoramic views from Rowena Crest, and the diverse ecosystems of the Tom McCall Preserve, known for its wildflowers and wildlife. The area is also part of the Rowena Gap, where the Columbia River passes through a significant natural formation.

Yes, Rowena is located along the Historic Columbia River Highway, which is a significant historical route itself. Driving this highway near Rowena allows visitors to experience the engineering marvel of the Rowena Loops. The Twin Tunnels Segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail also offers a glimpse into the past with its historic tunnels.

The Tom McCall Preserve is a habitat for various wildlife. Visitors might spot western meadowlarks, horned larks, canyon wrens, red-winged blackbirds, golden eagles, and bald eagles soaring above. Pacific chorus frogs and mule deer are also present. Hikers should be aware of the potential presence of poison oak and rattlesnakes in the area.

The Rowena Loops are a renowned section of the Historic Columbia River Highway, characterized by their impressive horseshoe curves. They are considered an engineering marvel and offer a unique driving and cycling experience. From Rowena Crest, you can look down and appreciate the winding design of these loops.

Mosier, Oregon, a small settlement near Rowena, is historically known for its agricultural production, particularly apples, cherries, and prunes. It also serves as a starting or ending point for sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, such as the Twin Tunnels Segment.

While Rowena itself is primarily known for its viewpoints and trails, nearby Mayer State Park, which is visible from Rowena Crest, offers amenities for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking along the Columbia River. You can find more information about Mayer State Park on the Oregon State Parks website.