Hiker Falls to Her Death at Eagle Creek Trail

It is the second hiking-related death at Eagle Creek in the last three weeks.

The trail at Eagle Creek can be extremely dangerous. Special thanks to: z.hubpages.com

(CASCADE LOCKS, Ore.) - Deputies say a 23-year old Portland woman died Monday afternoon after falling from a popular hiking trail west of Cascade Locks.

Deputy Matt English with the Hood River County Sheriff's Office, says their 911 center received a call at 6:09 p.m. from a man who had accompanied the woman on the hike. He reported that she had died after falling off of a cliff.

"Rescue teams reached the location shortly after 7:00 p.m." English said.

"They found the body of Rhonda Kristen Casto of Portland, down an embankment, about 100 feet off of the trail. The trail was wet and rescuers reported sleet and hail in the area of the fall. The case is still under investigation and more information will be released when available."

English says the area where the fall occurred was about one mile south of the parking lot at the Eagle Creek Trailhead.

This is the second death that has occurred on the trail in less than one month.

On February 26, 2009, the body of Maureen Dolores Gamache was found on the trail, about three miles from the parking lot. Results of the autopsy in that case are still pending.

Hikers are asked to use caution when navigating trails this time of year. Heavy rains can lead to trails being slippery and can create conditions that are often difficult to navigate. It is always recommended to notify someone of your itinerary and to hike with a companion.