The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office has suspended recovery operations for a 26-year-old climber from Bend who was last seen attempting to summit Mt. Hood.
At about 11:30 am on December 13th, 2025, the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office (HRCSO) was notified of an overdue climber on Mt. Hood. Matthew Aldridge (26) of Bend was reported overdue by a climbing partner. A trio of climbers started at Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort and intended to summit Mt. Hood via the Newton Clark Headwall. Two climbers turned back due to conditions, but Matthew continued his ascent. When the partners had not heard from him, they called to report him overdue.
The Sheriff’s Office initiated a search that included a HRCSO fixed-wing aircraft, ground searchers, and cell phone forensics. The initial search was narrowed to an area near Pea Gravel Ridge above 8400’ in elevation, after phone data suggested a fall. The first attempt to reach the area with ground searchers was unsuccessful due to darkness and unsafe conditions.
A larger ground search of the area was resumed in the early morning hours on December 14th, 2025. Searchers from the Hood River Crag Rats and Portland Mountain Rescue made it to the likely location previously identified but were unsuccessful in locating any sign of Matthew. Due to deteriorating weather and treacherous conditions, the Sheriff’s Office made the difficult decision at midday to withdraw searchers and suspend the ground search for Matthew. Additional efforts may be attempted as conditions allow, but the search has shifted to a recovery mission.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Hood River Crag Rats, Portland Mountain Rescue, Mt. Hood Meadows, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Northwest Avalanche Center for their assistance with this challenging mission.
Source: Hood River County Sheriff's Office
