Punchbowl Falls Fatality
- 08/03/26
At about 7:29 am on August 1st, 2026, the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a deceased male in the Eagle Creek drainage near Cascade Locks. Another hiker reported the male fell approximately 50-80 feet from a cliff above Punchbowl Falls.
Sheriff’s Office personnel, along with members of the Crag Rats and Pacific Northwest Search & Rescue (PNWSAR) responded to the area. A 19-year-old male from Kennewick, Washington was confirmed deceased.
The deceased’s friend reported the man got off the trail and tried climbing down the rock face to the base of the waterfall. The man landed on the rocks below. The Medical Examiner was on scene and assisted in the recovery. Based on the investigation, the death occurred as a result of a tragic accident.
The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office made next of kin notifications. Over 20 volunteers assisted in the recovery mission, which involved a technical rope raise and took several hours to complete.
Punchbowl Falls Fatality
- 08/03/26
At about 7:29 am on August 1st, 2026, the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a deceased male in the Eagle Creek drainage near Cascade Locks. Another hiker reported the male fell approximately 50-80 feet from a cliff above Punchbowl Falls.
Sheriff’s Office personnel, along with members of the Crag Rats and Pacific Northwest Search & Rescue (PNWSAR) responded to the area. A 19-year-old male from Kennewick, Washington was confirmed deceased.
The deceased’s friend reported the man got off the trail and tried climbing down the rock face to the base of the waterfall. The man landed on the rocks below. The Medical Examiner was on scene and assisted in the recovery. Based on the investigation, the death occurred as a result of a tragic accident.
The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office made next of kin notifications. Over 20 volunteers assisted in the recovery mission, which involved a technical rope raise and took several hours to complete.