Rowena Crest (US-30 Historic Highway)
Category 37.5 km
Distance
370 m
Elevation Gain
4.9%
Average Gradient
8%
Max Gradient
The eastern counterpart to Crown Point on the Historic Columbia River Highway, Rowena Crest climbs from the Columbia River at Mosier (65m) to the Rowena Plateau viewpoint (430m) through a sequence of switchbacks engineered in the 1910s to maximum scenic effect. The climb is moderate — 7.5km at 4.9% average — but the switchback construction technique and the sudden transition from humid Gorge forest to open basalt plateau grassland creates a cycling experience that is disproportionate to the gradient numbers. At the top, the Tom McCall Preserve offers some of the most dramatic Columbia Gorge views accessible by paved road: the river corridor narrows here and the Washington cliffs across the water are at their most imposing. The descent to The Dalles on the eastern side is longer and more gradual — a logical extension if the loop to Hood River is the objective. March and April bring a brief wildflower bloom on the Rowena Plateau that is worth timing a visit around.
Pro Tip
The full Historic Highway loop — Portland to Troutdale, east on the Historic Highway to Crown Point, continue to Rowena Crest, return via Washington SR-14 on the north side of the Columbia River, and reenter Oregon at the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks — is the iconic Pacific Northwest touring day: approximately 140km with 1,800m of climbing and two National Scenic Byway road sections. A car shuttle eliminates the final 40km return.