Size: 21 acres
Location: Wasco County, OR
Acquired: 2021
Rowena Oaks is a 21-acre property in the Eastern Gorge near the Tom McCall Preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy. The property is primarily characterized by closed oak woodlands, featuring an understory rich with Oregon grape, lupine, and balsamroot. In spring, Rowena Oaks is particularly stunning, showcasing vibrant wildflower meadows and majestic Oregon white oaks, though its beauty is apparent year-round. While a comprehensive wildlife survey has not yet been conducted, the area is known to support western gray squirrel, western rattlesnake, deer, woodpecker, and osprey.
Latest News
Keep updated on Friends' work, news stories, and the work happening in the Columbia Gorge.
Heartleaf Bluffs. Photo by Paloma Ayala.
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Friends’ Land Trust
October 10, 2025
This fall marks the 20th anniversary of Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust—a bold idea that transformed advocacy into lasting stewardship. Since 2004, the land trust has protected over 1,700 acres across 19 preserves, from beloved hiking destinations to vital wildlife habitat, ensuring the Gorge’s landscapes endure for generations to come.
2025 Legislative Sessions: Wins and Challenges in Oregon and Washington
October 5, 2025
During Oregon and Washington’s 2025 legislative sessions, Friends of the Columbia Gorge secured key wins for recreation access, landowner liability protections, and the Columbia River Gorge Commission’s funding. While not every proposal advanced, the sessions brought significant progress toward stronger conservation, climate, and community policies protecting the Gorge.
Wildflowers at Mosier Plateau. Photo by Cate Hotchkiss.
Small Trail, Big Legacy: Povey Family Donates Easement at Mosier Plateau
September 30, 2025
A new permanent easement now secures the beloved trail linking Mosier’s Pocket Park to the Mosier Plateau Preserve, thanks to the generosity of the Povey family. Years in the making, this project highlights the power of community partnerships in preserving recreation access and protecting the Gorge’s natural beauty.