Tom McCall Point Trail

Start on the south side of the Rowena Crest turnaround and cross a flat patch of grass and packed tread for about a tenth of a mile. The route then joins an old road cut into the hill, thought to follow an 1870s wagon route between The Dalles and Hood River. It climbs through scattered oaks before crossing open bunchgrass slopes in long switchbacks. The first views open back toward Rowena Plateau, its curved highway bridge, and Mount Defiance. Higher up, the track narrows along the ridge, with steep ground close by in places. The Columbia and Mount Adams open into view across the slope. Underfoot, expect hard-packed dirt and gravel, then rougher, rocky or stair-stepped stretches rather than a smooth path.

The named point is the turnaround for this itinerary. Pause for the wide look downriver and across the Gorge; Mount Hood joins the view from the summit, while Mount Adams stands out to the north. Spring brings balsamroot, lupine, paintbrush, and smaller flowers across a preserve with more than 300 plant species; the strongest bloom is generally in April and May. Frame the flowers with the basalt cliffs or distant peaks, and stay on the tread to protect the fragile grassland. A fainter trail continues over a steep saddle toward a second summit and small cairn. That is an optional extension, not part of the 3.5-mile route to Tom McCall Point; turn back at the named point for the mapped hike here.

Expect wind and little shade on the ridge. The marked path approaches cliff edges in places; keep to it, watch rocky footing, and look out for poison oak and ticks in the lower oak and grassland. The first half-mile is described as moderately accessible, but the rest becomes narrow, steep, stepped, and rocky, so the full hike is not suitable for mobility devices. Dogs, bikes, and horses are prohibited. The preserve closes seasonally, but published opening dates conflict: one listing says March through October and another says May through October. Confirm that the point trail is open before setting out. Park at the Rowena Crest turnaround; the route starts on its south side. No restrooms are reported at the trailhead, and food on the walk is not documented. Mosier Totem Plaza is identified as a restroom stop; Mayer State Park has the nearest picnic area.