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.
Funding from LWCF helped ensure the protection of Catherine Creek. Photo by Robby Miller.
Trump’s Budget Aims to Pillage Conservation Funds
June 5, 2025
The Trump administration’s FY26 budget proposes redirecting roughly $387 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s (LWCF) federal land acquisition budget to fund “deferred maintenance”—that is, repairs to trails, […]
Friends Announces Winners of 2025 Photo Contest
May 25, 2025
Friends of the Columbia Gorge is proud to announce the winners of our 2025 photo contest, "Lenscape: Through Nature's Eyes," including grand prize winner Paloma Ayala.
Dog Mountain, by Michael Orwick.
301 Gallery and Friends of the Columbia Gorge Collaborate to Present INSPIRED! II Art Exhibition
May 20, 2025
Following the success of last year’s inaugural show, 301 Gallery and Friends of the Columbia Gorge are excited to announce INSPIRED! II, an art exhibition opening this summer in downtown […]
