Hiker missing in the Columbia River Gorge since Saturday found safe
4 canyoneers rescued after becoming stranded in Columbia River Gorge
01/05/2021Search and rescue crews out on a training exercise help injured hiker
18/02/2022by KATU Staff
MULTNOMAH CO., Ore. — A 71-year-old hiker who was missing in the Columbia River Gorge since Saturday has been found safe and is now back with family members.
Crews found Joseph Dean Monday morning near Rock of Ages Ridge.
"He’s doing well and is being assisted back to the command post. Thank you to the dedicated members of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Search-and-Rescue team," Sheriff Mike Reese said.
The rescue crews brought Dean back to the Horsetail Falls trailhead in a wheeled basket. He was taken to a hospital for further evaluation.
Dean was reported missing at about 8:30 p.m. Saturday night, after he sent a text message to his wife telling her that he was lost somewhere on the Rock of the Ages Trail, said MCSO.
This is the sixth time search and rescue crews have been called out since the beginning of April, according to the Sheriff's Office. Last year around this time, hiking trails in the area were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
