McCall Point and Rowena Plateau wildflower hike

Wildflower Hike Fridays #3 of 5
These two hikes are near the top of the list for NW Oregon wildflower hikes! We were slightly early for the flowers on McCall Point section last year, but Friday the 3rd should be just about right.

• Difficulty: Easy (Moderate for non-hikers)

• Hiking distance: 6.5 miles combined, for both trails

• Elevation gain: About 1700’ total

• Total time: About three hours of hiking, with plenty of brief snap & shoot photo stops

• Permits: None

• Meet at: Rowena Crest trailhead

• Driving distance: 69 miles from NE Portland (For example only: Carpooling from Gateway Transit Center at 7:45 a.m.)

• Dogs: Not allowed on either trail

The plan: Hike up to McCall Point via the Tom McCall Point trail, and then return for the shorter Rowena Plateau lollipop loop hike. A little cloud cover would be nice to keep it cool, but sunbreaks would provide some spectacular views. Win-win.

• Pace: My preferred hiking style is fast, but this one is all about the wildflowers. Though when we’re not snapping photos, I do expect us to keep moving. We’ll roll through this at a moderate pace, enjoying short breaks as needed for snacks, photos, and viewpoints. There is no such thing as too many photo opps.

• Bring: Extra water, sturdy shoes or boots, snacks, warm layers (long pants are best, to prevent ticks), a rain jacket, and a camera

Though it’s highly improbable that we’ll run into any wilderness-type emergencies, in general it is also recommended that hikers carry the, um, “ELEVEN” Essentials:

1. Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)

2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)

3. Insulation (extra clothing)

4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)

5. First-aid supplies

6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)

7. Knife/tools

8. Nutrition (extra food)

9. Hydration (extra water)

10. Emergency whistle and general preparedness in the event that you become separated from our group and/or have to spend the night in the wild.

11. An Achtung Baby

PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.