IDANHA, Ore. — A large-scale search is underway in eastern Linn County after an 80-year-old Lebanon man failed to return from a backpacking trip near Fir Lake ahead of expected severe weather.
According to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received a report Tuesday evening at approximately 5:25 p.m. regarding an overdue hiker in the Big Meadows Road area east of Idanha.
Family members told authorities that Jerry Highsmith, 80, of Lebanon, had gone backpacking near Fir Lake and was expected to return home by 5 p.m. Tuesday before incoming storms moved into the area.
Deputies responding to the area located Highsmith’s vehicle parked at the Fir Lake trailhead off Big Meadows Road. A deputy and a Search and Rescue volunteer immediately hiked into the Fir Lake area while additional rescue personnel were mobilized.
Despite searching the trail system and the surrounding lake area, crews were unable to locate Highsmith.
The sheriff’s office later activated its full Search and Rescue team, with personnel continuing operations overnight in heavy rain and thunderstorm conditions. Officials said search efforts have continued without interruption, and neighboring counties have been asked to provide additional support for Wednesday’s operations.
Authorities described Highsmith as an experienced hiker who was likely prepared to spend several nights outdoors. He is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds, with medium-length gray hair. A clothing description was not available.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who may have been in the Big Meadows Road or Fir Lake area over the past several days and may have seen or spoken with Highsmith to contact authorities immediately at (541) 967-3950 and reference case number 26-01799.
Officials emphasized that even small details could prove critical in helping bring Highsmith home safely.
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