Portland Woman Missing in the Mt Hood National Forest (Updated)

Update: Pamela Salant was spotted and safely rescued on Tuesday afternoon between 2pm and 3pm!

On Sunday morning, July 31st, the Hood River Sheriff’s Office received a call from Aric Essig of Portland, reporting that his girlfriend was missing in the Mt. Hood National Forest. He last saw 28-year-old Pamela Salant on Saturday at Bear Lake, located at the base of Mt. Defiance.

Essig and Salant had planned on camping at the lake overnight Saturday. When they arrived at the lake, they dropped their gear at a campsite. Somehow, the pair were separated at the lake in search of a better overnight spot. That was the last time Salant was seen.

Over 25 search and rescue personnel began searching the area in the vicinity of the lake on Sunday. In addition to ground teams, a helicopter, 2 airplanes and 3 canine teams were activated for the search. The search continued through the day on Monday and no signs of the missing woman have been found.

Salant left the campground dressed in dark colored shorts and a dark red or blue tank top. She is described as 5′ 3″ and 125 lbs with blond hair. She had no supplies or communications capabilities with her. Anyone who may have seen Salant in the area of Bear Lake on over the weekend is asked to contact the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office at 541 386-2711.