Two Hikers Lost in the Columbia River Gorge are Rescued in a Nine-Hour Operation in High Winds and Heavy Rain

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. — Two hikers who became lost in the Columbia River Gorge were found by the Search and Rescue team of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) in an intensive nine-hour operation that took place in heavy rain and high winds.

Hikers Made a 911 Call at 7.45 p.m. After Losing Their Way

The two hikers, who had set out from the Horsetail Falls parking lot at noon on Tuesday, reported that they had lost their way in a 911 call to the city of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) at 7.45 p.m. that evening.

On arrival at the Horsetail Falls parking lot, Search and Rescue team coordinators managed to contact the hikers by phone, while BOEC dispatchers established their approximate location.

Ground teams, including MCSO Green Hornets and search and rescue volunteers, were deployed to bring the hikers to safety, despite deteriorating weather conditions.

Rescuers Reach the Hikers Shortly Before Midnight

The rescue teams reached the hikers shortly before midnight. Although the hikers were soaked and cold due to the inclement weather, neither was injured and after warming up, the slow process of escorting them through difficult terrain began. The group finally arrived back at Horsetail Falls at 4.58 a.m. on Wednesday.

The rescue operation was a collaborative effort involving 20 dedicated search and rescue volunteers, four deputies, and two MCSO sergeants.

Hikers Must Always Be Prepared

MCSO reminds hikers to always be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions in the Columbia River Gorge, and to always carry extra food, water, and shelter, like a light emergency bivvy, as well as extra clothing and a reliable flashlight.