09/01/2025 – The month of August provided a reprieve in search and rescue missions for Skamania County. Although missions were 33% higher than in 2024, this was a significant reduction than in previous months. This is a summary of the missions for the month of August:
08/01/2025: A 15-year-old teenager from California was reported missing on Falls Creek Falls trail when he became separated from his parents. A Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator was assigned to the incident and acquired volunteers from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team. After a four-hour mission, the teenager was located and returned safely to his family.
08/02/2025: A planned search was conducted to locate a missing Tumwater, Washington woman when her abandoned vehicle was located near the Pacific Crest Trail, northwest of Table Mountain. A Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator organized the search, utilizing volunteers from Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue and Silver Star Search and Rescue teams. The search did not produce results, but the missing person’s cell phone was later tracked to California where local authorities were notified.
08/13/2025: The Skamania County Communications Center received information of an 18-year-old female who climbed a cliff face near Hamilton Mountain and was unable to self-extricate. A Skamania County Search and Rescue Coordinator was assigned and acquired resources from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team. The female was rescued and safely returned to the trailhead.
08/20/2025: A Washougal, Washington teen fell to his death at the Cape Horn Lookout near Milepost 25 on State Route 14. This incident was addressed in a previous press release.
08/22/2025: A man traversing the Loowit Trail reported his water filter was not functioning properly and was experiencing leg cramps. A Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator was assigned to this mission to organize a search, acquiring volunteers from the Volcano Rescue Team. The hiker was able to acquire fluids and reported he no longer needed assistance.
08/22/2025: A 72-year-old Florida man was reported missing by his hiking party on the Butte Camp trail. A Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator was assigned to the incident and acquired volunteers from the Volcano Rescue Team. After an eight-hour mission, the man was located after he took a wrong turn onto an adjacent trail.
The hiker was safely returned to the trailhead.
08/24/2025: A 67-year-old Olympia, Washington woman was reported to have sustained a broken wrist while climbing Mount Saint Helens and could not continue. A Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator was assigned to the incident and acquired resources from the Volcano Rescue Team. After a four-hour mission, the woman was safely assisted off the mountain.
08/24/2025: A 52-year-old California woman reported experiencing abdominal pains while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail near Steamboat Lake. A Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator was assigned and worked in conjunction with Skamania County Emergency Medical Services to assist the hiker. Skamania County E.M.S. personnel located the hiker and assisted in her extrication for further medical treatment.
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all of our dedicated volunteers who assist in making these missions possible. Additionally, as the season begins to change, we would like to remind you to check the weather before you embark on your journey and ensure you are prepared physically and carry the ten essential systems.