CLACKAMAS COUNTY, OR —The search and rescue mission to locate missing mountain biker Ralph Sawyer in the Mount Hood National Forest is continuing today, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Mr. Sawyer was reported missing late Friday night after not returning from a planned mountain biking trip using a bike specifically designed for gravel roads.
On Tuesday, nearly 40 people were in the field covering additional search areas. Volunteers from Clackamas County Search and Rescue, Portland Mountain Rescue, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, Hood River Crag Rats, and Mountain Wave Emergency Communications. The PJs 304th Rescue Squadron based at the Portland Air National Guard Base also supported Tuesday’s mission. In all, more than 250 person-hours were spent searching on Tuesday.
Wednesday’s operation is continuing to cover new areas where more than 25 searchers are working to locate Mr. Sawyer. A photo of his black and red gravel bike with road-style handlebars and an additional photo of Mr. Sawyer is attached to this update.
More updates will be shared when available.
CCSO Case #25-0014571
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EARLIER (July 14, 2025): Sheriff’s Office updates search efforts for Ralph Sawyer
The search and rescue mission to locate missing mountain biker Ralph Sawyer in the Mount Hood National Forest is continuing today, Monday, July 14, 2025. Mr. Sawyer was reported missing late Friday night after not returning from a planned mountain biking trip using a bike specifically designed for gravel roads.
On Sunday, approximately 70 searchers covered more than 250 miles by ground and on vehicles, such as ATVs and motor bikes. Technical rope teams were deployed to search over steep terrain. Drones searched from the air, as well as a helicopter from the Oregon National Guard.
Resources deployed on Sunday include the following teams: Clackamas County Search and Rescue, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, Portland Mountain Rescue, Mountain Wave Emergency Communications, and Hood River Crag Rats.
Search efforts on Monday began around 6:00 a.m. and include the same volunteer groups as the previous days. Today will also include the PJs 304th Rescue Squadron based at the Portland Air National Guard Base. The 304th Rescue Squadron is an Air Force Reserve Command combat search and rescue unit. Additional ground searchers, drones, ATVs, K9s, are expected to be deployed as well.
More updates will be shared when available.
CCSO Case #25-0014571
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EARLIER (July 13, 2025): Sheriff’s Office continues search for missing mountain biker with additional resources
The search and rescue mission to locate missing mountain biker Ralph Sawyer in the Mount Hood National Forest is continuing today, Sunday, July 13, 2025. Mr. Sawyer was reported missing late Friday night after not returning from a planned mountain biking trip. A search and rescue mission was immediately launched to locate him.
On Saturday, nearly 40 searchers were involved in working to locate Mr. Sawyer. On Sunday morning, a briefing was held at 7:00 a.m. to coordinate several teams including Clackamas County Search and Rescue, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, Portland Mountain Rescue, Mountain Wave Emergency Communications, and Hood River Crag Rats. In total, approximately 70 searchers have been mobilized for today’s efforts.
At this time, no additional signs of Mr. Sawyer’s location have been located. The search is centered along East Still Creek Road to Veda Lake and Kinzel Lake, along with USFS roads around Trillium Lake.
More updates will be shared when available.
CCSO Case #25-0014571
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EARLIER (July 12, 2025): Sheriff’s Office searching for missing mountain biker near Trillium Lake
Shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office was notified that a man who had left that morning to go mountain biking near Mount Hood had not returned home. Ralph Sawyer, age 52 of Gresham, left home around 10:00 a.m. Friday and was expected to be home by 8:30 p.m. Sawyer has a long history of mountain biking in the area and is familiar with the terrain.
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue coordinators quickly began searching for Sawyer and were able to locate his vehicle, a blue Kia Soul, which was located at 12:15 a.m. on Saturday morning. Sawyer’s cell phone was located inside.
Clackamas Search and Rescue volunteers were activated and launched ATVs to continue searching the area. Additional resources, including more ground searchers, ATVs, K9 units, and drones were requested.
By Saturday morning, additional support was activated, including Mountain Wave Emergency Communications and a search plane from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office.
Search efforts are centered around the Trillium Lake area. Ralph Sawyer is described as 6’1” tall with brown hair. He was last seen wearing an orange bike helmet, blue shirt, and black biking shorts.
ADDITIONAL TIPS & INFORMATION WANTED: Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line -- by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at: http://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip
CCSO Case #25-0014571
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