Mount Hood, OR. — The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office has suspended recovery operations for a 26-year-old climber from Bend who was last seen attempting to summit Mt. Hood, citing deteriorating weather and unsafe conditions.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. on December 13, 2025, deputies were notified of an overdue climber on Mt. Hood. Matthew Aldridge, 26, of Bend, was reported overdue by a climbing partner after failing to return or make contact.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Aldridge was part of a trio of climbers who began their ascent from the Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort, planning to summit via the Newton Clark Headwall. Two climbers turned back due to conditions, while Aldridge continued upward. When the remaining climbers were unable to reach him, they reported him overdue.
The Sheriff’s Office initiated a search operation that included a fixed-wing aircraft, ground search teams, and cell phone forensics. Phone data suggested a possible fall, narrowing the search area to Pea Gravel Ridge above 8,400 feet in elevation. An initial attempt to reach the area with ground searchers was unsuccessful due to darkness and hazardous conditions.
A larger ground search resumed early on December 14, with teams from the Hood River Crag Rats and Portland Mountain Rescue reaching the identified area. Despite the effort, searchers were unable to locate any sign of Aldridge.
As weather conditions continued to deteriorate and terrain hazards increased, the Sheriff’s Office made the decision at midday to withdraw search teams and suspend ground operations. Officials said additional efforts may be attempted if conditions improve, but the operation has transitioned from a search to a recovery mission.
The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to assisting agencies, including the Hood River Crag Rats, Portland Mountain Rescue, Mt. Hood Meadows, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Northwest Avalanche Center, for their support during the operation.
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