More hikers, mushroom pickers rescued in Skamania County

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — After rescuing three separate people and recovering a fourth person’s body from Skamania County’s hazardous and frigid backcountry during a 24-hour period between the night of Oct. 27 and the morning of Oct. 28, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and volunteers rescued three more hikers within the past week.

“The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind visitors and residents of the lowering temperatures, lower-altitude snow, and decreased daylight that occur this time of year,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “Always be prepared for adverse conditions and research your planned destination, as well as the weather report, before heading out into the wilderness.”

On Oct. 30 the Volcano Rescue Team responded to a hiker who was stuck in blizzard-like conditions on Loowit Trail and unable to reach their car. After an eight-hour search, rescuers found the hiker and returned them to their car.

On Nov. 1, a mushroom picker was reported missing near Forest Service Road 93. Rescuers were able to find the lost mushroom picker and return them to their group.

On Nov. 4, another mushroom picker became lost near the Trail of Two Forests in the Mount Saint Helens area. After five hours of searching, rescuers found the lost mushroom picker and reunited them with their group.

“The Sheriff’s Office expresses our continued gratefulness for the incredible volunteers who serve our community,” the SCSO said.