OREGON, USA — For the second day in a row, the Portland metro area saw record breaking temperatures with highs in the mid to upper 70s. While it might be easy to hike through places like Forest Park in Northwest Portland, it’s a different story through the Columbia River Gorge as some saw this past weekend.
“We were slipping and sliding down loose dirt and grabbing onto vines. I’m impressed the two hikers make it out the same way,” said Carl Worth with Clackamas County Search and Rescue.
Worth spent part of the weekend helping look for two women who got stuck on a cliff while hiking along Oneonta Trailhead.
“We were able to get a general location but not very precise. The Gresham Police Department brought out their drones and with the drones we were able to locate the two women,” said Deputy John Plock with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
Those two women were able to eventually hike back on their own. Sadly, over the weekend 63-year-old Terina Chapman was found dead at the bottom of a cliff near Horsetail Falls. She was reported missing Friday night.
The conditions in the gorge currently are completely different from the valley. “There’s still snow and ice on the ground. The sun comes out and it gets really warm — people don’t realize it’s still cold up here,” said Mark Morford with Portland Mountain Rescue.
As more people start recreating outdoors, hikers need to be prepared for anything including snow and freezing temperatures.
“If you’re going up in the gorge and you start running into snow — it’s time to just turn back,” Morford added.
Morford says it’s also important to dress for the conditions and dress in layers, he said, since hypothermia can set in very quickly in parts of the gorge.
He said another good tip for hiking, even if you’re going on what you think is a day hike, pack a few extra items. Don’t forget to bring a headlamp and flashlight just in case you get stuck outside longer than expected.