MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is issuing a safety warning to community members as temperatures are expected to climb into the mid to upper 80s this Sunday.  

This significant heat event marks the warmest day of 2026, occurring well ahead of the typical average for such temperatures. 

MCSO anticipates an increase in outdoor recreation and reminds community members that while the air is hot, local rivers and lakes remain dangerously cold and fast moving due to winter runoff.  

Meanwhile, the Columbia River Gorge remains a high-risk wilderness environment during the transition from winter to early spring. 

Recent search and rescue activations underscore how quickly a routine outing can turn into an emergency. 

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, deputies requested the help of MCSO’s search and rescue team after a woman got lost in steep, rugged terrain near Munra Point in the Columbia River Gorge. Exhausted and worried she might injure herself if she continued, she called for help just as her phone battery dropped to 10%. The MCSO Green Hornets, a specialized rapid response team of law enforcement and corrections deputies, located her and safely guided her back to the trail. 

On Monday, April 27, 2026, deputies responded to assist two hikers who self‑reported being off‑trail and lost above Multnomah Falls. Search and rescue and the MCSO Green Hornets located the hikers and escorted them back to the trailhead without injury. 

MCSO encourages everyone to prepare thoughtfully before heading out, and would like to offer these warm weather safety tips: 

1. Research your route, trail conditions, and weather forecasts. 
2. Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. 
3. Pack the ten essentials, including extra water, food, layers, and a fully charged phone plus a backup battery. Carry a map or GPS device—cell service is unreliable in many areas of the Gorge. 
4. Know your limits. Choose trails that match your experience and fitness level. Turn back early if you feel fatigued, disoriented, or conditions change. 
5. Stay on marked trails. Going off‑trail increases the risk of injury, getting lost, and damaging sensitive habitats. 
6. Be water‑wise. Rivers remain cold and fast-moving even on warm days.  
7. Always wear a life jacket when boating or recreating on the water. 

About the MCSO Search and Rescue Team (MCSOSAR) 

MCSOSAR is a 100% volunteer, unpaid 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating under the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. The team continues a long tradition of youth development by reserving all Officer positions for high school-aged members. 

In 2025, volunteers logged nearly 17,200 hours of training – meaning for every hour spent on a mission, members dedicated over 7.5 hours to perfecting their craft. Their commitment to modernization is equally impressive: the team has integrated satellite technology and expanded its ATV fleet to maintain reliable communication and mobility even in remote areas. 

MCSO is deeply proud of these volunteers and their dedication to serving the community. 

About the MCSO River Patrol Unit 

The MCSO River Patrol Unit provides public safety services across 110 miles of waterways in Multnomah County, including the Columbia, Willamette, and Sandy Rivers, as well as the Multnomah Channel. 

Created in 1960, the River Patrol Unit responds to emergency calls, conducts boating safety examinations, and investigates accidents and criminal activity on the water. The team is also highly active in community outreach, attending events and offering year-round education on safe boating and water recreation.