On Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, a 48-year-old man from Portland embarked on what was intended to be a day-hike to Devils Peak by accessing the Green Canyon Trail in Rhododendron.This hiker was carrying some water and a daypack -- but was not prepared for an overnight stay in the Mt. Hood National Forest.
At 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, the spouse of this missing hiker called Clackamas County Emergency Communications (C-COM) to report that her husband had not returned as planned from his day-hike expedition along the Green Canyon Trail. This concerned spouse had traveled to the Green Canyon trailhead in search of her overdue husband; she informed dispatchers that her husband's vehicle remained parked at the trailhead, but she had been unable to locate her husband.
It was also learned that the missing spouse had called his wife Monday afternoon at about 4 p.m. from the Devils Peak summit on his cell phone. He reported to his wife that he was starting his descent and was in no jeopardy. That was the last contact the spouse had received from her missing husband.
A Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue (SAR) mission was activated by the Sheriff's Office. SAR coordinators responded to the Green Canyon trailhead and established a command post for this operation. Volunteer SAR organizations also responded to the scene -- including Mountain Wave Emergency Communications, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, American Medical Response, and a Clackamas County 4x4 vehicle group.
At 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday (Sept. 8), the hiker called his spouse once again on his cell phone. This cell-phone activation enabled SAR personnel to use its data to triangulate the missing hiker's precise location. It was conveyed to this man he should remain at his present location and wait for searchers to come to his aid.
It was discovered that the man had spent the night off-trail as nightfall approached. He was able to build a fire and utilized a space-blanket he had available with him for added warmth. He was not injured, and was comfortable considering his situation and circumstances.
At 10:19 a.m., ground searchers located the hiker and escorted him back to the trailhead and his vehicle. (Photos are linked above.)
This located hiker is identified as John Dean Colvin, age 48, of Portland.