MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – A man in his mid-30s is recovering from serious injuries after hiking off-trail and getting caught in a small landslide near Ainsworth State Park.

Around 3:51 p.m. on Thursday, November 27, 2025, the City of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received a 9-1-1 call from a man reporting he had fallen while hiking.

Based on the preliminary investigation, the man hiked almost a mile off trail when he tried to cross a creek. The unstable ground gave way, resulting in a small landslide. Deputies believe the man fell down a 15-foot embankment. He was covered by fairly large  rocks and could not self-rescue.

The man’s injuries, although not critical, are considered serious and include several broken bones throughout his body.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office activated its Green Hornets team, which is a specialized team of MCSO deputies trained for hasty wilderness-related rescues of lost or injured hikers.

Due to the location and complexity of the rescue, MCSO also requested assistance from multiple outside agencies including the Hood River Crag Rats, Portland Mountain Rescue, Cascade Locks Fire Department, American Medical Response, Inc., and the MCSO Search and Rescue Team (MCSOSAR).

Deputies with MCSO’s Green Hornets team reached the injured hiker around 5:25 p.m. on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Due to his injuries and his location off-trail, MCSO requested the assistance of a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter but due to inclement weather on the coast, the helicopter could not launch.

MCSO deputies and other first responders used a rescue litter to carry the injured hiker down to an awaiting ambulance.

Rescue operations ended with all first responders off the trail approximately six hours after crews received the first 9-1-1 call.

MCSO recognizes the responding agencies who assisted with this rescue. Despite the man knowing his location, BOEC employees worked quickly to provide MCSO with precise information about the man’s cell phone location.

The MCSOSAR recommends hikers to be prepared for changing conditions and to plan before every trip. The plan should include the route (and alternatives), exits, research on current trail conditions (especially after wildfires), and sharing the itinerary with a trusted person who knows when to call for help.

To ensure your self-reliance in the wilderness, always carry the MCSOSAR 10 Essentials:

1. Light: Carry a powerful flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries. Daylight can disappear quickly, and navigating in the dark exponentially increases danger.

2. Clothing: Pack extra, weather-appropriate layers – including gear that is waterproof. Misjudging the climate is easy, and additional clothing is your best defense against life-threatening hypothermia.

3. Food: Bring extra food and, critically, ample water. Proper hydration is vital for the body, and these reserves can turn an unexpected delay into a manageable situation.

4. Navigation and Comms: Hikers must have a map and compass and know how to use them. While GPS and cellphones are useful aids, they are not substitutes due to unreliable service and battery life.

5. Medical Care: Maintain a comprehensive first aid kit. Be knowledgeable about how to use the first aid kit. Self-reliance is key when professional help may be hours away.

6. Pocket Knife: A sharp pocketknife is a critical tool for everything from making equipment repairs and cutting bandages to preparing materials for shelter or fire.

7. Fire Starter: Keep a reliable fire kit (lighter, waterproof matches, or ferro rod) and tinder ready. A simple fire provides necessary warmth, comfort, and is a powerful signal for rescuers.

8. Shelter: Pack an expedient emergency shelter, such as a tarp or heavy-duty garbage bags. This simple gear protects you and your equipment from the elements, potentially improving survivability in cold, wet conditions.

9. Signaling: Carry a powerful whistle or light source. Whistles travel further than the human voice with less energy, significantly increasing your chances of being located by search and rescue teams.

10. Sun Protection: Don't overlook sunglasses and sunscreen – even during the winter. Protection from sun exposure helps prevent heat-related illness (hyperthermia), dehydration, and sun/snow blindness, even on cloudy or winter days.

No additional information about the injured hiker is available for release

No photos of the rescue are available.

About MCSOSAR:
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (MCSOSAR) team is a volunteer organization whose objective is to serve the community by searching for and rescuing lost or injured persons in wilderness or urban areas, assist with evacuations during emergencies, assisting law enforcement with evidence searches, and educating the public. MCSOSAR is the primary search and rescue resource for Multnomah County and the western Columbia River Gorge.

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