(MT) — A day-hike to Devils Peak turned into an overnight survival
expedition.

John Colvin, 48, of Portland headed up the Green Canyon Trail in
Rhododendron Sept. 7 with Devils Peak being the ultimate destination.
Spending the night in the Mount Hood National Forest was not on the agenda.
At 10:19 a.m. on Sept. 8, ground searchers located Colvin and escorted him
back to the trailhead and his vehicle.

The morning after Colvin headed out (1:30 a.m.), his wife called Clackamas
County Emergency Communications to report he had not returned as planned.

The concerned spouse had traveled to the Green Canyon trailhead in search of
her overdue husband. She informed dispatchers that her husband’s vehicle
remained parked at the trailhead, but she had been unable to locate him.

Sheriffs also learned that the missing spouse had called his wife about 4 p.m.
on the day of his hike from Devils Peak summit and reported he was starting
his descent and was in no jeopardy.

That was the last contact the spouse had received from Colvin.

Clackamas County Search & Rescue responded to the trailhead and
established a command post. Volunteer SAR organizations also responded to
the scene – including Mountain Wave Emergency Communications, Pacific
Northwest Search and Rescue, American Medical Response and a Clackamas
County 4x4 group.

At 7:30 a.m. on the second day Colvin called his wife again on his cell phone.
The cell phone activation enabled SAR personnel to use its data
to triangulate the missing hiker’s precise location. Colvin was told to remain at
his present location and wait for searchers.

He was rescued a few hours later.

It was discovered that Colvin had spent the night off-trail, was able to build a
fire and utilized a space blanket for added warmth.

He was not injured and was comfortable considering his situation and
circumstances.