The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office urged caution for hikers in the Columbia River Gorge on May 21 after a 72-year-old woman was injured in a fall near Latourell Falls. Deputies said the hiker slipped on a wet section of trail close to Upper Latourell Falls and fell approximately 15 feet, sustaining serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Despite her injuries, the woman was able to walk to the trailhead with help from Corbett Fire District firefighters. She was then transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Officials noted that conditions in the Columbia River Gorge remain cool, wet, and slippery, even when weather is warm and sunny elsewhere in the Portland area. “Trails near waterfalls and creeks can be especially slick, and not all trails are regularly maintained,” said search and rescue team coordinator Deputy James Monda, who responded to the incident. “Even well‑maintained trails can present hazards, like loose rock and exposed roots.”
The Sheriff’s Office reminded hikers to wear sturdy boots with good traction, use hiking poles on uneven surfaces, carry appropriate gear for changing conditions, stay off closed trails and obey posted signage, and use caution around waterfalls or steep drop-offs.
As more visitors are expected during warmer weather, officials also advised planning ahead by packing ten hiking essentials and recognizing that wilderness trail conditions may differ significantly from those outside of the Gorge. The agency thanked Corbett Fire District and American Medical Response for their assistance.