Search and Rescue on Mt. Defiance in West Hood River County

Two people are currently in an area that is at about 4200 feet, west of Mt. Defiance awaiting search and rescue personnel.

Mt. Hood Courtesy: Wikimedia

(HOOD RIVER, Ore.) - The Hood River County Sheriff's Office is currently coordinating a search and rescue mission in the western portion of Hood River County.

A phone call to the Hood River 911 Center around 9:30 a.m. from the lost hikers, launched the rescue team.

The hikers, a 23-year old female and 24-year old male, reported that they were lost in about four to five feet of snow.

The pair said they were not injured. They also said they were properly equipped and had food and water. The pair started their hike from the Eagle Creek Trailhead and had been camped at the location they were calling from since about 7:30 p.m. on March 25, 2010.

The duo said they headed east from Eagle Creek to the Nick Eaton Trail system. Their itinerary was to hike up to the Wahtum Lake area, make a loop and come back to the Eagle Creek Trailhead.

They are currently in an area that is at about 4200 feet, awaiting search and rescue personnel. Crews are currently being sent to the area with a snow cat. The hikers are believed to be in a location that is west of Mount Defiance.

Officials in Hood river say the rescue effort will likely take several hours. No further information is available at this time.