Tom McCall Point Hike

Eastern Oregon can provide some much appreciated relief from the overcast weather in the western half of the state, and the Tom McCall Preserve is a case in point.  Located just above Mayer State Park and between Hood River and The Dalles, the preserve's eastern climate is the perfect environment for spectacular wildflowers, groves of scrub oak, dull Oregon grape and Columbia desert parsley.  The Rowena Plateau is an excellent place for a short walk, but the real beauty of the preserve is the short and steep hike to Tom McCall Point.  On a clear day you'll have full views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams.  From this point the trail continues into a narrow strip of Forest Service land before public access eventually stops entirely.  Tom McCall Preserve is managed in part by The Nature Conservancy, so dogs, horses and camping are not allowed.