Hiker found dead in Mt. Hood National Forest identified
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The hiker who was found dead Friday after a days-long search effort in the Mt. Hood National Forest has been identified, authorities said.
According to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, 33-year-old James Robert McDonald of Ridgefield, Wash. was reported missing by his family on Wednesday after they said he was overdue for a return from a day hike.
Family members added McDonald was an experienced hiker, but wasn’t carrying gear for overnight conditions.
After he was reported missing, the CCSO Search and Rescue coordinators dispatched their volunteer Clackamas County Search and Rescue team. McDonald's tracks were soon spotted in the snow, kicking off an elaborate search.
Other agencies joined the efforts, including Portland Mountain Rescue, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, and Hood River Crag Rats, among others. An Oregon National Guard helicopter and a Hood River County Sheriff’s Office fixed-wing plane were also used in the search, in addition to drones.
McDonald was found dead by the PMR search team near the Hidden Lake Trail Friday morning.
CCSO said they don’t believe McDonald's death is suspicious and more information as to his cause of death will be determined through the Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office.