Multnomah County, Ore. – Members of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Green Hornets Team rescued two lost hikers along the Horsetail Falls Trails system in the Columbia River Gorge.

Shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, two hikers called 911 to report they were lost and unable to find their way back to the trailhead. An MCSO deputy reached the hikers by phone and started gathering information about their location.

The hikers had a hiking app that displayed their GPS coordinates, which they texted to the deputy. The coordinates placed them near the Rock of Ages Trail – a rugged, overgrown area that has remained closed since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. The trail is known for its steep cliffs and challenging terrain.

The MCSO Green Hornets, who have advanced search and rescue skills, responded to assist in rescue efforts. The MCSO’s Drone Team launched a drone from the Horsetail Falls parking lot to help in the search effort from the air.

Despite the difficult conditions, two Green Hornets team members successfully reached the hikers shortly before 1 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The hikers were cold and thirsty, but otherwise in good condition. They were given water and jackets before being safely escorted down the trail and returned to their car at the Horsetail Falls Trailhead. 

This rescue highlights the importance of preparation and the value of GPS-enabled devices and hiking apps when exploring the Columbia River Gorge. The hikers also made several smart decisions once they realized they were lost: 

• They called 911 for help.
• They stopped moving, stayed in place, and waited for rescuers.
• Once contact was made and their location was confirmed, they preserved their phone batteries by switching to airplane mode and checking in periodically as instructed. 

MCSO reminds all hikers to stay safe when exploring the Columbia River Gorge: 

• Always tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time.
• Wear sturdy footwear and carry an extra layer for warmth.
• Bring the 10 hiking essentials.
• If you become lost or injured: stop, call 911, and stay put so rescuers can find you.
• If you don’t have a signal for a phone call, try sending a text message. 

Photos from the rescue are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.  

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