Spring in Oregon is a time of renewal, and time to dust off those hiking boots, climb off the couch, and immerse ourselves back into our stunning outdoor spaces. Luckily, we 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 don’t want to miss them. Take a look at the Tom McCall Preserve at Rowena, and marvel at the prettiest wildflowers in Oregon.

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.
Wildflowers In Oregon
Tom McCall Preserve, Historic Columbia River Hwy, Mosier, OR 97040, USA
Aarica Arora/Google
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.
Kim Griffith/Alltrails
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.
Marianne H/Tripadvisor
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.
Kim Griffith/Alltrails
Vibrant balsam root lines the path for much of this 4.5-mile trail. These cheerful, yellow flowers add a happy splash of color.
Scott Hege/Google

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You'll also enjoy scenic vistas that include Mt. Hood in the distance...
Wildflowers In Oregon
Diana Robinson/flickr
...and the view of the Columbia River Gorge is absolutely stunning.
Dawn Bull/Alltrails
Please make sure to leave these pretty wildflowers where they are, so that those visiting later can also enjoy them.
Scott Hege/Google
Stay on the trails, and leave your dog home for this one - they're not allowed here, but can explore with you at the nearby lower Mayer State Park.
Wildflowers In Oregon
Chris Goexplore/Alltrails
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.
Ed Lee/Google
You'll find the Tom McCall Preserve along the Old Columbia River Scenic Highway between Mosier and Rowena.
Google
We included a map of Tom McCall Preserve for your convenience.

Have you visited the Tom McCall Preserve to see the prettiest wildflowers in Oregon? We’d love to see your wildflower photos in the comments!

If you’re looking for more great places to explore this spring, check out our list of nine places you absolutely must visit in Oregon.

The 9 Places You Absolutely Must Visit In Oregon This Spring

Also, before you leave for this or any other hikes in Oregon, be sure to download your free trial of AllTrails+ to gain access to offline maps, trail conditions, and more. 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Spring In Oregon

Melanie J. | April 23, 2024

Are there more places to see wildflowers in Oregon?

Absolutely, there are hiking trails and lots of parks, farms, and gardens where you can see wildflowers in Oregon and here are several places that we like the best:

  • Bush's Pasture Park, Salem
  • Shore Acres State Park, Coos Bay
  • Washington Park, Portland
  • Marys Peak - Siuslaw National Forest
  • Hendricks Park, Eugene
  • Lithia Park, Ashland
  • Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy, Lincoln City
  • Swan Island Dahlias, Canby,
  • Iron Mountain Trail - Willamette National Forest
  • Camassia Nature Preserve, West Linn
  • John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Mitchell

Learn more by visiting our website highlighting some of the best places to see wildflowers in Oregon.

What are some of the best gardens in Oregon?

If you love staring at beautiful blossoms, then you must check out these gardens in Oregon that are bursting with pretty little flowers.

We encourage you to read our previous article to learn more about these beautiful gardens in Oregon.

What are some of the best things to do in Oregon in spring?

Spring is one of our favorite times of year, and if you’re searching for the best things to do in Oregon in spring, these are some of the places that belong on your list:

  • Tryon Creek State Natural Area, Portland
  • Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 202 Waterfront Park Trail, Portland,
  • Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, Woodburn
  • Gerdemann Garden, Yachats
  • Owen Rose Garden, 300 N Jefferson St, Eugene
  • Silver Falls State Park, Silverton
  • Toketee Falls Trailhead, Idleyld Park
  • Deschutes River Trail, Bend
  • Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge
  • Whale Watching Center, Depoe Bay

Be sure to read our ultimate guide to discover more of the best things to do in Oregon in spring.

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Tom McCall Preserve, Historic Columbia River Hwy, Mosier, OR 97040, USA