After a multi-day search in the Mt. Hood National Forest, a missing 33-year-old hiker was found deceased, as confirmed by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. The hiker, whose identity has not been disclosed pending family notification, was reported missing by their family on the evening of November 6, after failing to return from a day hike. According to the latest update from the Sheriff's Office, the hiker was an experienced individual who was not equipped for an overnight stay in the harsh conditions of the forest.
The initial report triggered a rapid response from the Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue coordinators, who alongside Clackamas County Search and Rescue (CSAR), spotted what seemed to be the hiker's tracks in the snow. Search efforts intensified, with additional support from Portland Mountain Rescue (PMR), Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue (PNWSAR), and the Hood River Crag Rats. A notable amount of resources, including a helicopter from the Oregon National Guard, a fixed-wing plane from the Hood River County Sheriff's Office, and drones, were deployed as part of the operation. Mountain Wave Emergency Communications was also enlisted to provide essential communication support to the teams navigating the rugged terrain.
Despite the exhaustive search, the outcome was tragic as the hiker was found dead on Friday morning, shortly before 10:30 a.m., by a PMR search team near the Hidden Lake Trail.
At present, the Sheriff's Office does not suspect foul play in the hiker's death. The Clackamas County Medical Examiner's Office is yet to determine the cause of death. The community, along with the search and rescue personnel, mourn the loss of this hiker, who ventured into nature's embrace, only for it to culminate in an unforgiving turn of events. For more information and updates, visitors are encouraged to review official statements on the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office website.