05/14/2025
Skamania County continued to see significant increases in search and rescue missions in the month of April. Compared to the missions in 2024, April 2025 brought a 200% increase. This continued trend is concerning, especially with the typically busy summer months approaching. Here is a recap of the monthly S.A.R. missions for April:
04/02/2025: Although previously reported in a separate release, a Portland man was located, deceased, off the shore of the Columbia River. With the assistance from Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteers and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, the subject was recovered.
04/04/2025: A Bellingham, Washington woman injured herself while skiing down Mount Saint Helens. The Volcano Rescue Team responded and, after an eight-hour mission, brought the woman down to safety where she was transported by personally owned vehicle for medical treatment.
04/09/2025: Two 18-year-old hikers, accompanied by three dogs, reported being lost on the South Coldwater trail, just inside Skamania County, due to snow. Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue responded and conducted the search mission, bringing all back to the trailhead safely.
04/11/2025: A fall victim was reported near the Worm Flow trail on Mount Saint Helens. The caller reported the subject fell approximately 1,000-1,500 feet. North County Emergency Medical Services and Volcano Rescue Team members were requested to respond. The fall victim was extricated from the area and returned to the trailhead safely.
04/19/2025: A Milwaukie, Oregon man injured himself while skiing down Mount Saint Helens. Volcano Rescue Team volunteers responded and located the subject. After a seven-hour mission, V.R.T. volunteers packed the patient down the mountain and returned him safely to the trailhead.
04/24/2025: A Vancouver, Washington man was left stranded on the Forest Service 41 Road after riding his motorcycle on compact snow and ice. Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue members responded to the area and retrieved the rider, providing him with a ride home.
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office is continually grateful for the volunteers who provide a selfless service for search and rescue missions.We would also like to take this opportunity, once again, to remind individuals recreating in our county of the following:
1) ALWAYS pack the 10 essentials.
2) If you are lost and call for assistance, DO NOT MOVE. Remain in the location so rescuers can locate you.
3) Check the weather before you recreate and be prepared for severe weather changes.
4) Remember that low elevation snow still exists on many trails and roads.