Marion County Deputies are searching a remote area of the Willamette National Forest for a hiker who was separated from his party on Thursday and hasn’t been seen since.
Early this morning, Sergeant William Sherburn sent searchers into an area near Russell Lake, which is about 1 mile north of Mt. Jefferson, at an elevation of 5860′ above sea level.
A total of 40 searchers, including horse-riding posse members, Team 18 and Search & Rescue members using SUV and quads are involved in the search.
The focus of the search is a 52-year old man named Ronald Ohm. Ohm was hiking with two others from the Portland area. They were hiking a ridge above Russell Lake Thursday afternoon when Ohm decided to linger behind to take some photographs. The others went ahead to the lake to establish a camp. Ohm later failed to show up at the camp. Ohm’s hiking partners searched for him on Friday and then hiked out Friday evening to call for help from authorities. The official search began this morning at daybreak.
Ohm is an experienced hiker who was equipped with supplies that would last him through Sunday. He also had a tent and sleeping bag. He has hiked the area before and is familiar with the terrain. Cell coverage in the area is non-existent.
Ohm is described as male, 5-11, 140, slender build, wearing a blue shirt, jeans and hiking boots. He has a beige hat and is carrying a blue & red pack.
A command post has been established in Detroit (some distance from the remote search area). Sherburn is considering calling in the Civil Air Patrol to assist with aircraft in the search. We would appreciate media helicopters remaining clear of the area so as not to complicate the search and add additional danger to the CAP personnel who would be busy searching for the hiker.
Further updates will be issued as they develop.
Update: MCSO Searchers Continue Looking for Lost Hiker Near Russell Lake