tom mccall nature preserve

Very Deceving. And Beautiful.Awesome View of Columbia River. Parking very limited and this Site is easy to miss

Start from the Rowena Plateau Overlook of the Columbia River off the old Highway 30 that runs from The Dalles to Mosier. Stunning views. The Preserve is compliments of the Nature Conservancy. You can enter it across the street from the Overlook. There are two different hikes...the 1 mile Plateau Trail and the 2 mile McCall Point Trail. No dogs allowed so leave the pup at home and take him to the dog park later! Watch for rattlesnakes, ticks and poison oak. No services available.

While the Tom McCall Nature Preserve can be visited year-round, my favorite time of year to hike/bike this area is in early spring when the yellow balsam root flowers, the red paintbrush, and lavender lupine flowers are abloom, resulting in hill after hill of lush color.

The nature preserve is a windy plateau with spectacular views of the Columbia River and incredible wildflowers. The best time to visit is late March through early May. Allow 1-4 hours for hiking and exploring.

Outstanding views of the Columbia River Gorge, road leading to it has many hairpin turns. During springtime wildflowers are thick - and colorful. Sweeping vistas. Worth a stop for sure.

The Preserve is situated on a bluff over the Columbia with expansive views and golden grasses. We hiked to the point which is about 2 1/2 miles round trip accompanied by a pair of ravens the whole way.Absolutely stunning Nature Conservancy Preserve.Next trip we will hike to the Tom Mc Call Point which takes you up and through the trees. The drive to and from the Preserve is also beautiful. Kudos to TNC for reclaiming this landscape.

We stopped at nearby Rowena viewpoint on Mother's Day. The view was breathtaking. We were curious to see what awaited us at the TM Nature Preserve. As it turns out it was the peak of the spring wildflowers. The flowers spread out across an expansive rugged meadow sloping toward the Columbia River Gorge. TrulyA view of a lifetime.

Easy hike, but on a hot day there is very little shade (just a couple spots where there are trees). The views of the river and the banks are really special though. On a cooler day this would be a good and easy hike.

This is an easy dry desert "hike." If you like desert type areas this may be for you. I probably would not go again.

Simple display, easy access and hike, great vistas and abundant flowers. The information boards are excellent.

A nice walk and a beautiful location with good viewing points. No dislikes, how could one. Allow a couple of hours.

Must see! Views of the gorge with abundant wild flowers! You need to see this. Exit at mossier and follow the old columbia river highway east.

Sitting on the bluffs in the spring sunshine, watching the tribal fishermen set their gill net in the gorge, with a red-tail hawk and turkey buzzards circling below us, and more flowers than I could dream of -- even at the weekend, starting out before noon, it was a wonderful experience. With easy trails, two beautiful ponds, and gorgeous flowers -- an excellent spring destination.

It's bit early right now for the flowers, The little ones are just starting to come out. Better luck on the Washington side at Catherine Creek, as it is south facing and the warmth of the sun brings the spring flowers out earlier.

This was our first visit to the preserve in March. The trails out to the river view area are open and still a bit muddy in spots, but well worth the visit. Right now (3/15/2014), there are thousands of purple Grass Widow wildflowers in bloom. There are a few other flowers also, but not in force! The views to the east and west are great for photographers. The upper trail to Tom McCall point seems to be closed until May. If you come here, bring your good camera and read all the signs. No dogs are allowed as it is a preserve. Operated by the Nature Conservancy. Not advised for younger kids as there are cliffs and no fences.