Multnomah Co. Sheriff's Office

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News Release

MCSO Search And Rescue Team Safely Locates Missing Hikers In Columbia River Gorge - 03/11/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) -- The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (MCSOSAR) team successfully rescued two missing hikers in the Columbia River Gorge overnight following a lengthy effort through heavy rain and high winds.

 

This incident began around 12 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, when the two hikers set out from the Horsetail Falls parking lot.

 

Around 7:45 p.m., the City of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received a 9-1-1 call from one of the hikers who reported becoming lost. Deputies responded and found the hikers’ vehicle.

 

SAR coordinators successfully contacted the hikers by phone and BOEC dispatchers mapped their approximate location. Despite the deteriorating weather conditions, ground teams - including the MCSO Green Hornets and SAR volunteers - deployed into the field.

 

Rescue teams reached the two hikers at 11:56 p.m.

 

Search teams then began the slow process of escorting the hikers back through the difficult terrain. The group arrived safely at the Horsetail Falls parking lot at 4:58 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

 

Although the hikers were soaked and cold due to the inclement weather, no injuries were reported. Once they had warmed up, teams on-site evaluated that the hikers were able to drive themselves home.

 

This successful mission was a collaborative effort involving two MCSO sergeants, four deputies and 20 dedicated search and rescue volunteers.

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all hikers to be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions in the Gorge, especially during the spring months.

 

Always carry the "Ten Essentials," including extra layers of clothing and reliable light source or flashlight.

 

MCSO’s Green Hornets Team is a small team of deputies, who possess advanced search and rescue skills. When a missing, overdue or lost hiker is reported, any working, available deputies assigned to the Green Hornets may respond to perform a hasty trail search. They focus on rapid assessment and urgent medical care, rather than slower, intensive grid searches.

 

The team supports the MCSO Search and Rescue team. Members maintain advanced skills in navigation, emergency response, and technical rescue techniques to assist in critical incidents where time and conditions pose severe challenges.

 

No photos from the search and rescue are available.

 

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MCSO Search And Rescue Team Safely Locates Missing Hikers In Columbia River Gorge - 03/11/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) -- The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (MCSOSAR) team successfully rescued two missing hikers in the Columbia River Gorge overnight following a lengthy effort through heavy rain and high winds.

 

This incident began around 12 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, when the two hikers set out from the Horsetail Falls parking lot.

 

Around 7:45 p.m., the City of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received a 9-1-1 call from one of the hikers who reported becoming lost. Deputies responded and found the hikers’ vehicle.

 

SAR coordinators successfully contacted the hikers by phone and BOEC dispatchers mapped their approximate location. Despite the deteriorating weather conditions, ground teams - including the MCSO Green Hornets and SAR volunteers - deployed into the field.

 

Rescue teams reached the two hikers at 11:56 p.m.

 

Search teams then began the slow process of escorting the hikers back through the difficult terrain. The group arrived safely at the Horsetail Falls parking lot at 4:58 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

 

Although the hikers were soaked and cold due to the inclement weather, no injuries were reported. Once they had warmed up, teams on-site evaluated that the hikers were able to drive themselves home.

 

This successful mission was a collaborative effort involving two MCSO sergeants, four deputies and 20 dedicated search and rescue volunteers.

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all hikers to be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions in the Gorge, especially during the spring months.

 

Always carry the "Ten Essentials," including extra layers of clothing and reliable light source or flashlight.

 

MCSO’s Green Hornets Team is a small team of deputies, who possess advanced search and rescue skills. When a missing, overdue or lost hiker is reported, any working, available deputies assigned to the Green Hornets may respond to perform a hasty trail search. They focus on rapid assessment and urgent medical care, rather than slower, intensive grid searches.

 

The team supports the MCSO Search and Rescue team. Members maintain advanced skills in navigation, emergency response, and technical rescue techniques to assist in critical incidents where time and conditions pose severe challenges.

 

No photos from the search and rescue are available.

 

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