6.5 miles of hiking • 1500' elevation gain •
Second of three "little" hikes today, which included two places I'd heard of many times, but never been to before. It was a fun drive along the historic US-30, through the (in)famous Rowena curves, coming over from Sevenmile Hill, too.
I'd been warned how crowded this place might be, but was pleasantly surprised by just how few folks were out and about. The flowers seemed to be right at peak, especially the balsamroot. The views were spectacular, and I only wish I'd been here on a day with a bit fewer clouds to more fully enjoy Mounts Adams and Hood on the horizons.
Climbed McCall Point first, which was very enjoyable. Saw a trail continuing on past the summit circle, and almost followed it, but wanted to save some time for hike #3 so just did the loop up there. Lots of "Trail Closed" signs dotted the landscape on the way up, really trashing up the place IMO.
After getting back down to Rowena Crest, I discovered I'd left the headlights on in my Jeep - oh no! Rather than fret about it, I just turned them off, and looped the Rowena Plateau. Hate to say it, but I just wanted to "get it over with" while out there. Rarely feel that way hiking, but this little stop just doesn't do a lot for me. Might be good with a mobility-challenged companion, but otherwise the Gorge just offers so much better. Kinda rushed to get through. Ah well. Check another off the list, eh? :-)
