Multnomah County, OR – A Thanksgiving hike in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge took a dangerous turn Thursday when a man in his mid-30s was trapped under rocks after a 15-foot fall near Ainsworth State Park.
According to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the man had ventured nearly a mile off-trail in an attempt to cross a creek when unstable ground gave way beneath him, triggering a small landslide. The hiker was pinned by rocks and sustained multiple serious injuries, including broken bones.
Emergency crews responded swiftly to the complex rescue operation. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Green Hornets and Search and Rescue teams coordinated efforts with multiple agencies, including the Hood River Crag Rats, Portland Mountain Rescue, Cascade Locks Fire Department, and American Medical Response (AMR).
The rescue was further complicated by weather conditions that prevented a Coast Guard helicopter from responding. Despite the challenges, ground teams reached the injured man and successfully extracted him using a rescue litter.
The operation concluded roughly six hours after the initial 9-1-1 call.
Officials emphasized the importance of staying on marked trails and heeding terrain conditions during inclement weather, particularly in remote and rugged areas such as the Columbia River Gorge.
Additional information can be found through the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office online.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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