These Dazzling Wildflowers In Oregon Should Be On Your Spring Bucket List
Spring is a time of renewal, and time to dust off those hiking boots, climb off the couch, and immerse yourself back into Oregon’s stunning outdoor spaces. You have plenty of options when it comes to outdoor recreation here, but there’s one spot in the Columbia River Gorge that’s just full of wildflowers during April and May, and you won’t want to miss them. Take a look at the Tom McCall Preserve at Rowena:
The Tom McCall Preserve is situated on a plateau overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, and it's simply spectacular in the spring. The 231-acre preserve is filled with colorful wildflowers starting as early as late February, and going all the way through June.
April and May are the best times to visit if you're on the lookout for spring blooms. More than 200 species of plants populate this preserve, and many are in full splendor this time of year.
You'll find purple lupine, Indian paintbrush, grass widow, smooth prairie star, and more. Bring your camera to capture all the scenic splendor of this magical place.
There are two trails to explore here. The Tom McCall Point Trail is a bit more strenuous than the Rowena Plateau Trail, but it's well worth your effort. The trail is considered moderate, with an elevation change of 1,292 feet.
The preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy, and was named after Oregon's late Governor Thomas Lawson McCall, who was dedicated to the preservation of Oregon's natural beauty. We can't think of a more fitting tribute than this special spot.
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
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