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.
Dog Mountain Wildflowers. Photo by John Williams.
Friends Defends the Future of Public Lands Through Land and Water Conservation Fund Advocacy
September 25, 2025
The Land and Water Conservation Fund has protected iconic Gorge lands for decades without taxpayer dollars. A new order from the Department of the Interior threatens that progress by restricting acquisitions and partnerships, implementing local vetoes, and facilitating future land sell-offs.
Fire personnel work to contain the Rowena Fire in June 2025. Photo courtesy of Wasco County.
United Way of the Columbia Gorge, Friends of the Columbia Gorge Partner to Raise Funds for Rowena and Burdoin Fire Recovery
September 16, 2025
Friends of the Columbia Gorge has partnered with United Way of the Columbia Gorge on a fundraising effort supporting families impacted by the devastating Rowena and Burdoin Fires. With 100% of donations going directly to relief, this partnership will provide long-term recovery support to affected residents in Oregon and Washington.
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, […]
