Linn County Locates Missing Climber On Mount Washington (Photo) - 07/10/26

Undersheriff Micah Smith reports on July 9, 2026, at approximately 1458 hours, the Linn County Sheriff's Office was notified of a missing climber on Mount Washington. Robert "Bob" Pickering, age 77 of Nevada, was last seen ascending solo near the summit. A climbing guide that was leading clients on the mountain nearby reported hearing a rockslide on the east side of the summit shortly after seeing Pickering pass their location.

Linn County Search and Rescue Team, along with the U.S. Forest Service, responded to the remote area while a helicopter from the Oregon Army National Guard conducted an aerial search. At approximately 1730 hours, the helicopter crew located an individual matching Pickering's description approximately 200 feet below the summit. It appeared Pickering suffered a fatal fall from near the summit to where he came to rest, and due to steep and hazardous terrain, rescue crews were unable to safely approach for recovery that evening.

This morning Linn County Search and Rescue, along with Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Mountain Rescue Unit, began attempts to reach Pickering and assess recovery options.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office thanks the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (Nevada), the Oregon Army National Guard, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management for their continued assistance with this operation.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office extends its condolences to the family and friends of Robert Pickering during this difficult time.