Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Reminds Community About Hiking Safety After 72-Year-Old Hiker Injured In Columbia River Gorge (Photo) - 05/21/26
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is reminding hikers to exercise caution in the Columbia River Gorge this Memorial Day weekend after a hiker fell 15 feet, injuring themselves.
Around 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, deputies received information about an injured hiker on the trail system near Latourell Falls. Based on the preliminary investigation, a 72‑year‑old woman slipped on a wet section of trail near Upper Latourell Falls.
Her injuries are described as serious but non–life‑threatening.
Despite her injuries, the hiker walked to the trailhead with assistance from Corbett Fire District firefighters. American Medical Response (AMR) took her to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Conditions in the Columbia River Gorge remain cool, wet, and slippery, even on days when the weather is warm and sunny in the Portland metro area.
“Trails near waterfalls and creeks can be especially slick, and not all trails are regularly maintained,” said search and rescue team coordinator Deputy James Monda, a responding deputy to today’s incident. “Even well‑maintained trails can present hazards, like loose rock and exposed roots.”
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office reminds hikers to:
- Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction
- Use hiking poles for assistance on uneven surfaces
- Carry appropriate gear and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions
- Stay off closed trails and obey posted signage
- Use caution around waterfalls, steep drop‑offs, and wet surfaces
As warmer weather draws more visitors to the Columbia River Gorge, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office would also like to remind hikers to plan ahead, pack the ten hiking essentials, and understand that wilderness trail conditions can vary significantly from conditions outside of the Columbia River Gorge.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office thanks Corbett Fire District and AMR for their assistance.
When reporting on this incident, please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in full. Because there are multiple "MCSO" agencies within the state of Oregon (including Marion, Morrow, and Malheur counties), using the full agency name ensures clarity and geographical accuracy.
A Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle is pictured responding to an emergency call at Latourell Falls, where a 72-year-old hiker was injured. AMR and Corbett Fire District also responded to the emergency call, transporting the injured hiker to a nearby hospital.
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