Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Issues Heat and Recreation Safety Warning Ahead of Unseasonably Warm Weekend
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. — The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents and visitors to exercise caution as temperatures are expected to climb into the mid to upper 80s this Sunday, marking what is anticipated to be the warmest day of 2026 so far and arriving significantly earlier than seasonal averages.
Officials warn that the sudden warm weather is expected to draw increased outdoor recreation across the region. Despite the heat, the agency emphasized that local rivers and lakes remain extremely cold and fast-moving due to ongoing winter runoff conditions, creating hazardous conditions for swimmers, boaters, and hikers near waterways.
The Columbia River Gorge remains of particular concern, with authorities describing it as a high-risk wilderness environment during this seasonal transition from winter into spring.
Recent rescues highlight ongoing dangers
Search and rescue operations in recent days underscore how quickly outdoor recreation can turn dangerous in the Gorge.
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, deputies requested assistance from the MCSO search and rescue team after a woman became lost in steep terrain near Munra Point. Exhausted and concerned she would injure herself, she called for help as her phone battery dropped to 10 percent. The MCSO Green Hornets, a specialized rapid response team made up of law enforcement and corrections deputies, located her and safely escorted her back to the trail.
The following day, Monday, April 27, 2026, deputies responded to another incident above Multnomah Falls, where two hikers reported being off-trail and lost. Search and rescue personnel and the Green Hornets located the pair and guided them safely back to the trailhead without injury.
Safety reminders issued
In light of rising temperatures and increased outdoor activity, the sheriff’s office is encouraging the public to take several precautions before heading outside:
- Research routes, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before departing
- Inform someone of travel plans and expected return times
- Carry the “ten essentials,” including extra water, food, layers, a fully charged phone, and a backup battery
- Use a map or GPS device, as cell service is unreliable in many areas of the Gorge
- Choose trails that match personal fitness and experience levels, and turn back if conditions worsen
- Stay on marked trails to reduce risks of injury and environmental damage
- Treat all rivers as hazardous due to cold, fast-moving water
- Wear life jackets when boating or recreating on the water
Search and rescue operations
The MCSO Search and Rescue Team (MCSOSAR) is a 100% volunteer, unpaid 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating under the sheriff’s office. The team includes high school-aged members in officer positions and continues a long-standing youth development tradition.
In 2025, volunteers contributed nearly 17,200 hours of training—more than 7.5 hours of training for every one hour spent on missions. The program has also expanded its capabilities through satellite communication technology and an upgraded ATV fleet designed to improve access to remote terrain.
River Patrol Unit operations
The MCSO River Patrol Unit oversees public safety across approximately 110 miles of waterways in Multnomah County, including the Columbia, Willamette, and Sandy Rivers, as well as the Multnomah Channel.
Established in 1960, the unit responds to emergencies, conducts boating safety inspections, investigates water-related incidents, and provides ongoing public education focused on safe recreation.
Authorities say both units remain on alert as warmer weather increases activity across trails and waterways throughout the region.
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