There were a handful of other cars when we arrived at Rowena Crest Viewpoint around 6:30 a.m. It seemed like most were there for sunrise, and they left when it was clear that it would remain overcast.

We started our hike by 7 and moved at a moderate pace, stopping frequently to take pictures of arrowleaf balsamroot, lupine, paintbrush, and other wildflowers. I would say that this weekend was peak bloom!

It was very windy throughout our hike, but the middle section was okay because the hill blocked the wind coming from the west. We had beautiful views all up and down the Gorge and to Mount Adams. The clouds from the west eventually parted, and we saw some blue sky! By the time we finished hiking around 9, it was a beautiful day.

This was a nice, moderate hike on well-maintained trail. I noted all the drains that trail crews put in to keep it from getting muddy. There were some social trails that were either blocked with branches or signs for restoration. Thanks for all the hard work!

Hiked under ideal conditions, 50s-60sF and sunny with dried mud underneath our feet. Great views of Mt Adams and Hood at the summit. Went east beyond the summit to another viewpoint of the Gorge backed by Mt Adams. No one else on the trail, just some others at the parking lot viewpoint. The trail is pretty noisy FYI due to proximity to the interstate and occasional train running along the Gorge. 

A beautiful morning at Tom McCall! I was nervous as I pulled into the parking area only to be surrounded by clouds and fog, despite the "clear" forecast. What a treat! The inversion over the river was so cool. It reminded me of the time I took my parents to Mount St. Helens and it was foggy with no mountain views but as soon as we finished watching the video in the visitors center, the clouds parted to reveal the volcano. My dad still talks about that! 

The trail was in good condition despite the rain earlier in the week. Many of the balsamroot are fading but the lupine and paintbrush are going strong. I did see quite a few patches of balsamroot that are just getting started, so I'm guessing it will still be flowery for another week or so. 

The flowers are still in full swing! Balsamroot galore for the entire Tom McCall hike. Lupine & some Indian Paintbrush. On Rowena most of the flowers are at the start of the trail. If you only have time for one, do McCall! The fields of never-ending flowers, the mountain views up at the top — chefs kiss! It’s a lot of up up up, but very much worth it. It’s more than 3.5 miles RT. 

Beautiful drive up the gorge from Portland. Lots of flowers blowing in the wind.