Rowena Plateau and Tom McCall Point — Saturday, May. 11, 2019

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - OR

We had a GLORIOUS day for a hike to see the abundant wildflowers and both Mt Adams and Mt Hood were visible. This is a pretty easy hike-the trail is wide and well packed. Our trip was a bit hot and there is no water opportunity so bring water, but it’s only 3.5 miles round trip, so we made do with a liter. The meadowlarks were singing beautifully, we saw butterflies and copious beautiful flowers. I will say that I have never, IN MY WHOLE LIFE, done a hike that was so crowded. The trail was like a highway of people and definitely detracted from my enjoyment. People were friendly and mostly respectful of the trail but at the top I did witness many many people ignoring signs to stay on the trail. And one party of people spread their blankets out over the flowers and just smooshed them without thought while they had a loud, wine fueled picnic. That part was not enjoyable. If i did this hike again I might try to do it at sunrise to avoid as much traffic.