Rowena Crest

By Ellie Goodwin

View from the Parking Lot

Rowena Crest is in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge between Hood River and the Dalles. This gem of a location is just over an hour away from Portland. You can capture photos of the view above from the parking lot. Keep in mind that this area is incredibly windy most of the time, so probably a good idea to throw your hair up or into a beanie before stepping out of your car. We shot several photos on the Microformer here, but a video was impossible with the roaring wind, not to mention safety. I was nearly blown out of a lunge.

Aside from the view, there are two hiking options: Tom McCall Point Trail and Rowena Plateau hike. The Plateau hike is an approachable 2.2 mile loop, good for all-levels. If you are looking for a more strenuous option, the Tom McCall Point Trail is 4.8 miles, 1,309 ft elevation gain out and back. This part of Oregon is much drier and more desert-like, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for snakes on the trail. I encountered two when I did the Tom McCall Point Trail. Fortunately for me, they high-tailed it away as fast as they could, seemingly as scared of me as I was of them. After this hike, my absolute favorite vineyard to taste some wine and enjoy some charcuterie snacks is Aniche Cellars, located a short drive away on the Washington side of the Gorge. They have ample outdoor seating with Adirondack chairs and beautiful views of the Gorge.