Hikers rescued after getting stranded on closed Columbia River Gorge trail

Two hikers were rescued overnight after becoming stranded on a closed trail in the Columbia River Gorge, officials in Multnomah County, Oregon said.

Drew Miller and Joseph Bartsch began their hike Tuesday afternoon along the Rock of Ages Trail near Horsetail Falls after seeing posts online suggesting the route was accessible.

The pair said they intended to take photos of the well-known rock formation and expected a moderately difficult hike. However, they later learned the trail has remained closed since the Eagle Creek Fire in 2017 due to hazardous conditions.

Difficult terrain and worsening weather

As the hike continued, the two men struggled to locate the trail amid thick brush and rugged terrain. By evening, they were trapped in an area surrounded by steep cliffs estimated at roughly 500 feet high.

Conditions deteriorated as rain and snow moved in, leaving the hikers cold and soaked.

Miller said the situation became so serious that he began considering the possibility they might not survive the night. Bartsch, meanwhile, was shivering heavily and having trouble breathing as temperatures dropped.

Emergency call leads to rescue

The hikers were eventually able to send an emergency signal using Bartsch’s phone, which had only about 4% battery remaining.

Volunteers from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue responded to the distress call Tuesday night and reached the pair around midnight.

Volunteer rescuers Sadie Walsh and Liam Foran said the hikers had become disoriented in dangerous terrain with steep drop-offs nearby.

Rescuers provided food, hot water and dry clothing before guiding the hikers down the mountain.

Safe return after overnight effort

The rescue team spent roughly two hours descending the trail, finally reaching the parking area shortly before 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Both hikers expressed deep gratitude to the rescue crew for helping them safely return.

They also said the experience was a lesson about the risks of relying on social media posts for outdoor advice.

Miller said the ordeal made him realize the importance of being more cautious and better prepared before attempting unfamiliar trails.