Multnomah County, OR. — A man in his mid-30s is recovering from serious injuries after hiking nearly a mile off-trail and being caught in a small landslide near Ainsworth State Park on Thursday, November 27, 2025, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
Dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call at 3:51 p.m. from the injured hiker, who reported falling while attempting to cross a creek. Deputies say unstable ground gave way, triggering a slide that sent him about 15 feet down an embankment. Large rocks partially covered him, leaving him unable to self-rescue. He sustained multiple broken bones, considered serious but not life-threatening.
MCSO activated its Green Hornets team — a specialized hasty-rescue unit trained for wilderness operations — and requested assistance from several regional partners, including Portland Mountain Rescue, Hood River Crag Rats, Cascade Locks Fire, American Medical Response, and the agency’s Search and Rescue Team.
Rescuers reached the man at approximately 5:25 p.m. Due to his remote location and injuries, MCSO requested a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, but poor coastal weather prevented flight. First responders instead used a rescue litter to carry him out to an awaiting ambulance.
All crews cleared the trail roughly six hours after the initial call.
MCSO credited BOEC dispatchers for quickly pinpointing the man’s location using cell-phone data and reminded hikers to plan ahead, stay on established trails, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions, particularly in burned or erosion-prone areas.
The Search and Rescue unit also emphasized the importance of carrying the “10 Essentials,” including reliable light, extra clothing, food and water, navigation tools, a first-aid kit, a pocketknife, fire-starting supplies, emergency shelter, signaling tools, and sun protection.
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