On 10/19/2016, at approximately 7:00 pm, Multnomah County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a call of two adult hikers lost in the Columbia River Gorge near Triple Falls. Deputies established communication with the lost hikers via text message. The hikers were not injured, but unable to find their way back to the trailhead. Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR) teams were dispatched to the scene and set out from both the Oneonta and Horsetail Falls trailheads at approximately 9:45 pm.
MCSO SAR teams located the lost hikers at approximately 11:45 pm. Both hikers were able to walk out on their own, and anxious to get back to the trailhead.
The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office would like to remind anyone planning to hike in the Columbia Gorge and other scenic areas to research your route before you go. Make sure to plan your route and allow enough time if you are heading out on a day hike to ensure you are off the trail prior to sunset. Hike with a friend or a group and let someone know your route and when you are planning to return. Ensure you have the equipment you need with you when you embark on a hike including a map, compass, flashlight, extra food and water, firestarter, extra clothing, a knife, first aid kit, GPS and a cell phone with extra battery. If you do get lost and call for help, stay where you are at. Remaining in one place and staying on the trail will assist searchers as they work to locate where you are at and help bring you down from the trail.
MCSO SAR teams located the lost hikers at approximately 11:45 pm. Both hikers were able to walk out on their own, and anxious to get back to the trailhead.
The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office would like to remind anyone planning to hike in the Columbia Gorge and other scenic areas to research your route before you go. Make sure to plan your route and allow enough time if you are heading out on a day hike to ensure you are off the trail prior to sunset. Hike with a friend or a group and let someone know your route and when you are planning to return. Ensure you have the equipment you need with you when you embark on a hike including a map, compass, flashlight, extra food and water, firestarter, extra clothing, a knife, first aid kit, GPS and a cell phone with extra battery. If you do get lost and call for help, stay where you are at. Remaining in one place and staying on the trail will assist searchers as they work to locate where you are at and help bring you down from the trail.