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@Multcoso
Update as of May 9 at 8:15 p.m.:
The search for missing Portland hiker Joe Dean, 71, continues into Sunday evening. Today, approximately 65 search and rescue members from several agencies and organizations combed a myriad of backcountry trails south of Horsetail Falls.
In addition to ground searches, a drone was used to aid in aerial search efforts, as well as a plane operated by the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office.
At the time of this news release, Dean remains missing.
Search efforts will continue through the night. Additional resources will arrive Monday morning.
While Horsetail Falls remains open, parking is very limited due to search and rescue efforts. We ask that visitors provide ample space for first responders to perform their tasks safely.
This is an ongoing mission. Updates will be posted when available on FlashAlertPortland.net and on MCSO's Twitter feed, @MultCoSO. See original release below for person and clothing description.
Assisting organizations include:
- Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue
- Washington County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue
- Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue
- Hood River County Sheriff’s Office
- PNW Search & Rescue
- Hood River Crag Rats
- Portland Mountain Rescue
- Mountain Wave Emergency Communications
- USFS, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
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Original news release posted on Sunday, May 9, 2021 at 10:05 a.m.:
On Saturday, May 8, 2021, at approximately 8:33 p.m., the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) received a report of an overdue, missing hiker near the Horsetail Falls trail system. The missing hiker was identified as 71-year-old Joseph (Joe) Edward Dean. It was reported that Dean sent a text message to his wife stating he was lost somewhere on the Rock of the Ages Trail. MCSO deputies activated the Search and Rescue (SAR) team and responded to the location.
Around 11 p.m., 16 search and rescue volunteers arrived at the Horsetail Falls Trailhead and performed a hasty search of the area. Overnight, MCSO SAR requested additional resources from neighboring counties. On Sunday, approximately 40 SAR members arrived from various organizations to assist in the search. In addition to ground searches, drones are being used, as well as an airplane from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office.
Dean is described as a while male, 6’ 2”, 160 lbs., with blue eyes and white hair. He was last seen wearing:
- Blue long sleeve shirt
- Yellow and black jacket
- Olive green shorts
- Gray hiking boots
- Navy blue face mask.
- Dean was carrying a blue backpack
Dean is reportedly an experienced hiker, but was not prepared to stay overnight.
If you were hiking in the area of Horsetail Falls or Rock of the Ages Ridge Saturday afternoon and may have recognized Dean, please call the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office at 503-988-7300 and refer to case number PM21-22611.
Despite its popularity and use, the Rock of the Ages is an unmaintained trail, and has been closed since the Eagle Creek Fire in 2017. The trail is rated as difficult, because of its steep, rocky terrain.
While Horsetail Falls remains open, parking is limited due to search and rescue efforts. We ask that visitors provide ample space for first responders to perform their tasks safely.
This is an ongoing mission. Updates will be posted when available on FlashAlertPortland.net and on MCSO's Twitter feed, @MultCoSO.