Hiker injured near Latourell Falls

A 72-year-old woman was seriously injured after slipping on a wet section of trail near Upper Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said they received information about the injured hiker at about 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 21. Officials said the woman fell about 15 feet and suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Corbett Fire District firefighters helped her walk to the trailhead, where American Medical Response took her by ambulance to a local hospital. ### Where exactly did the fall happen? Latourell Falls is in the Columbia River Gorge near Corbett, east of Portland, and the sheriff’s office said the fall happened on the trail system near Upper Latourell Falls. The preliminary investigation found that the woman slipped on a wet section of trail before falling, according to the agency’s public statement. (mcso.us) KATU reported the rescue involved Multnomah County deputies, Corbett firefighters and American Medical Response near Upper Latourell Falls. Local outlets including KOIN and KXL matched the sheriff’s account on the location, timing and the woman’s age. ### How badly was the hiker hurt? (mcso.us) The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said the woman’s injuries were serious but non-life-threatening. Despite those injuries, officials said she was able to walk out with assistance from Corbett Fire District firefighters rather than requiring a technical extraction from the trail. American Medical Response then transported her to a local hospital for further evaluation, according to the sheriff’s office and follow-up local reports. (katu.com) Authorities did not release her name on Thursday or Friday. ### Why are officials talking about this before Memorial Day weekend? The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office used the incident to remind hikers to use caution in the Columbia River Gorge ahead of Memorial Day weekend. (mcso.us) In its statement, the agency said spring trail conditions can include wet, muddy and uneven surfaces, even on popular routes. (flashalert.net) KXL and KOIN reported that county and park responders tied the warning to expected holiday traffic in the Gorge. The sheriff’s office urged visitors to wear appropriate footwear, stay on marked trails, carry water and let someone know their plans before heading out. ### What safety steps did responders highlight? The sheriff’s office said hikers should expect slick terrain and changing conditions in the Gorge, particularly near waterfalls where spray can keep trails wet. (mcso.us) Officials also advised visitors to slow down, watch footing and be prepared for limited cell service in some recreation areas. Yellowstone National Park posted separate trail guidance this week telling hikers to check conditions, travel in groups when possible and prepare for variable weather, underscoring that agencies across park systems are emphasizing basic precautions at the start of the busy outdoor season. (kxl.com) ### What happens next for holiday hikers in the Gorge? (mcso.us) Memorial Day weekend begins Friday, May 22, and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said hikers heading into the Columbia River Gorge should review trail conditions and use standard safety precautions before setting out. The agency’s public reminder remains available through its website and FlashAlert distribution, while local responders including Corbett Fire District and American Medical Response were identified as the agencies involved in Thursday’s rescue. (mcso.us)