Friday night saw a dramatic rescue on Larch Mountain as the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) Green Hornets, a team of deputies specialized in trail rescues, came to the aid of two hikers in distress, as reported by the MCSO’s news release. The hikers, having lost their way as dusk fell, initially believed they could navigate back to the trailhead without assistance.
The situation began to unfold when a concerned husband dialed 911 around 7:40 p.m. on February 28 to report his wife and a friend overdue from their hike. The responding deputy managed to contact the hikers, who reassured him they were making their way back and didn’t need help. However, by approximately 10:00 p.m., the hikers became disoriented and unable to find their way, prompting them to reach out to the deputy who had given them his number earlier, according to the MCSO statement.
Leveraging their local expertise and training in wilderness first aid, the Green Hornets located the hikers just over a mile from a known landmark on the mountain and provided them with the necessities they lacked — food, water, and additional clothing to shield them from the cold. Following the rescue, the hikers were evaluated by the Corbett Fire District at the green gate and were able to return to their vehicle at Multnomah Falls, unharmed by their ordeal.
As warmer months approach, MCSO reminds outdoor enthusiasts of the unpredictability of wilderness areas like the Columbia River Gorge, emphasizing the importance of preparation and prudence. Hikers should inform someone of their whereabouts, carry essential supplies for emergencies, and, if lost or injured, stay put after calling 911 to help rescue teams locate them efficiently. This advice comes at a crucial time, as many will soon take to the trails seeking nature’s beauty and respite.
A closer look at the Green Hornets reveals a group of MCSO deputies whose distinct capabilities are centered on rapid response searches and backcountry first aid; they boast a roster of members with backgrounds in trail running and navigation that make them particularly suited for the challenges inherent in rescues such as the one they successfully completed on Larch Mountain.
