Tom McCall Point Trail | Spring Wildflowers & Mountain Views in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge
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The McCall Point Trail is located in the Tom McCall Preserve along the Columbia River Gorge in Northern Oregon. This incredible hike, especially in spring, takes you through endless wildflowers and meadows. But regardless of the time of year, it offers stunning views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and the Columbia River. This is a hike you can’t miss!
Parking and Trailhead Info
The parking area for the Tom McCall Point hike is very large. There is parking all around the loop at the Rowena Crest viewpoint, and also along the road leading in. I arrived at 10 a.m. on a Friday in early May, and the area was already filling up. Weekends during spring are even busier, so plan accordingly. It’s important to note that dogs are not allowed on the trail, and there are no bathrooms or amenities on-site.
Before or after your hike, I recommend taking a few minutes to check out the Rowena Crest viewpoint. It offers spectacular views of the Columbia River facing east.
Trail Overview
The trailhead is right next to the large “Rowena Crest” sign located near the beginning of the viewpoint loop. Behind the sign, you’ll see an opening in the fence and an informational sign for the McCall Point Trail. AllTrails lists this hike as 4.8 miles total, this includes a section that extends further beyond the main point. In this post, I’ll focus on the hike to Tom McCall Point itself, which is about 3.5 miles out and back with roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. It’s a moderate to difficult hike, but completely doable for most active hikers.
The trail begins wide and flat. If you’re visiting in spring or early summer, you’ll be greeted immediately by colorful wildflowers—especially golden balsamroot and purple lupine. Please remember that this is a protected Nature Preserve, so stay on the trail. For photography lovers, there are countless opportunities to capture incredible scenes without venturing off path.
Trail Conditions and Shade Sections
Soon, the trail starts a gentle ascent and winds through a couple of broad turns. You’ll notice some side trails blocked with rocks—these are not for use. Luckily, not far ahead, the main trail offers even better views of the river.
Eventually, you’ll enter an area with more tree cover and shade. Here, the trail is lined with desert parsley plants and flanked by beautiful oak trees. This shaded section is a welcome reprieve on sunny days.
Climbing into Open Meadows
Once you exit the trees, the trail becomes noticeably steeper. From here on, it’s mostly uphill. You’ll cross by a large open field where Mt. Adams begins to peek over the hills in the distance. A short set of stairs brings you into a series of long, wide switchbacks. These wind up the hillside and offer sweeping views—wildflower-filled meadows to the west and dramatic river views to the east.
As you climb higher, you may spot fiery red Indian paintbrush, a striking flower that stands out beautifully among the rest. It’s just one more highlight that makes this hike unforgettable.
Into the Oak Forest
Soon, the trail enters another wooded area. Sparse Oregon white oaks appear first, twisted and gnarled, with branches often covered in oakmoss lichen. It gives this part of the trail an almost otherworldly feeling.
The canopy begins to thicken, and stone steps guide you along the path. Be mindful of poison oak growing along the trail—identifiable by its sets of three rounded leaves. While this stretch may feel long, the shade is refreshing, and glimpses through the trees reveal stunning views.
Final Push to the Summit
Emerging from the woods, you’re greeted by even more panoramic views of the valley and the Columbia River. As the trail climbs, you might encounter more vibrant blooms, including larkspur and white brodiaea.
Eventually, you’ll see the final hill ahead—and even the peak of Mt. Hood. The ascent continues with more long switchbacks, and you might catch glimpses of hikers far above you, showing just how much elevation remains. While this stretch can be tiring, the surrounding wildflowers and incredible vistas make it more than worth the effort.
The Reward at the Top
Once you reach the summit of Tom McCall Point, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views in every direction. Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams stand tall on the horizon, the Columbia River winds through the gorge below, and wildflowers frame the entire scene. It’s the perfect place to take a break—bring a snack or lunch and soak in the view.
There’s usually a light breeze at the top, and with birdsong and the sweeping views, it’s a remarkably peaceful place to rest and reflect.
This might be one of the most beautiful non-waterfall hikes I’ve done in Oregon, and I truly hope you get a chance to experience it for yourself.
Happy Exploring!
Gallery
Trailhead Location
Also See
Tom McCall Preserve: Relaxing Nature Escape
Experience the serene beauty of spring at Tom McCall Preserve in Oregon, where nature’s palette comes alive with vibrant wildflowers and sweeping mountain vistas.