An experienced climber from Kuna is missing on Mt. Jefferson in Oregon.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call July 24, 2026, at about 11:35 a.m. reporting that a climber had fallen on Mount Jefferson. The caller relayed information from two climbers who said they saw an unknown climber fall down the west side of the summit near the Red Saddle before disappearing from view into the Milk Creek drainage. The climber was described as a man, possibly wearing a bright red jacket.
An Oregon Army National Guard helicopter launched to search the area and located what is believed to be the climber’s backpack and other gear on the west side of the summit, but the helicopter crew was unable to locate the climber. Ground search and rescue teams began hiking into the base of Mount Jefferson. Officials decided the teams would hike in as far as they could that evening and make camp for the night, with plans to begin the ascent at first light…