The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has identified the hiker found dead in the Mount Hood National Forest on Nov. 8 as 33-year-old James Robert MacDonald of Ridgefield.
After an extensive search operation, MacDonald was located near the Hidden Lake Trail by Portland Mountain Rescue search teams.
MacDonald, an experienced hiker, was reported missing by his family on the evening of November 6 after failing to return from a planned day hike.
Family members last heard from him around 2pm on the day of his hike, but he was unequipped for an overnight stay in the challenging terrain.
According to multiple verified GoFundMes, MacDonald left behind a beloved wife, young twins and two little boys — ages four and six.
KIRO 7 has independently verified each of these fundraisers and GoFundMe has assured us that all money will be delivered safely to his wife:
In response to the report, the Sheriff’s Office quickly mobilized Clackamas County Search and Rescue teams.
Volunteers, along with Portland Mountain Rescue, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue and the Hood River Crag Rats, conducted an extensive search of the Paradise Park area.
The operation included air support from the Oregon National Guard and the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, as well as drones and communications assistance from Mountain Wave Emergency Communications.
Searchers found tracks in the snow near the Paradise Park Trail, narrowing the search area.
The effort continued until Friday morning when MacDonald’s body was found around 10:30 a.m. near the Hidden Lake Trail.
Authorities have said there is no evidence of foul play, and the Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an investigation to determine the official cause of death.
The Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences to MacDonald’s family as they cope with this loss.
