Rowena Plateau and Tom McCall Point — Saturday, Apr. 19, 2025

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!