Searchers rescue lost hiker on Mount Hood

PORTLAND – Searchers found an Oregon man who became lost during a day hike on Mount Hood.

Sgt. Paul Coleman of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office says Brian Woldrich, of Welches, Oregon, was in good condition when found early Tuesday.

The 49-year-old phoned his mother Monday afternoon, informing her that he had lost sight of the established trail. He had followed a small creek down the mountain to a larger stream of water, but was still unable to find the path.

Searchers late Monday made audible contact with him through the use of whistles. He was near a large stream or river with high banks and surrounding cliffs.

Because of the darkness and the threat posed by the water and cliffs, it took another 3 1/2 hours for searchers to meet him.