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Rowena Crest: Mosier to The Dalles, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Photo: Joe Parks · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives Oregon The Columbia Gorge

Rowena Crest: Mosier to The Dalles

US 30 · Mosier → The Dalles

Twisty15.1 mi35 min1,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 800 ftOne way
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The drive

This is the eastern end of the Historic Columbia River Highway. The drive leaves Mosier and heads east through orchards and oak grassland, climbing to the Rowena Crest viewpoint, which looks down on the Rowena Loops. The highway then descends the loops' hairpins to the river and runs into The Dalles.

It's 15.1 miles and about 35 minutes. The Rowena Crest stop sits on the highway beside the viewpoint loop. Footpaths from the crest lead into the Tom McCall Preserve, known for spring wildflowers and plants found only in the Gorge, with the best show in April and May.

Traffic is far lighter than on the western end of the Historic Highway.

Along the way

  1. Mosier
  2. Rowena Crest
  3. The Dalles (West 6th Street)
Elevation
1,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 800 ft
MosierThe Dalles
Curves
Mostly moderate, with two twisty stretches
MosierThe Dalles
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The preserve's trails have seasonal closures and dogs aren't allowed; check signage at the crest.
  • The Rowena Loops are hairpins, so take them slowly.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check ODOT TripCheck: road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long is the Rowena Crest drive from Mosier to The Dalles?

Mosier to The Dalles on the Historic Columbia River Highway is 15.1 miles and takes about 35 minutes.

When is the best time to see wildflowers at Rowena Crest?

Spring, especially April and May, when the Tom McCall Preserve is in bloom.

Are the Rowena Loops twisty?

Yes. The loops are a series of hairpins that bring the road down from the crest to river level.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Rowena Crest: Mosier to The Dalles, from Mosier to The Dalles