ESTACADA, Ore. — The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has provided a new update in the search for 51-year-old Devon Dobek of Hubbard, who has been missing since Friday after failing to return home from a hunting trip in the Mount Hood National Forest.
On Sunday, November 2, 2025, search operations expanded dramatically, with more than 100 trained personnel scouring rugged terrain southeast of Estacada. Improved weather conditions allowed crews to deploy additional drones, an Oregon National Guard helicopter, and air support from the Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit.
Authorities say Dobek’s vehicle was found near the Fish Creek Trailhead, off Highway 224 and 54 Road, but there was no sign of Dobek or the deer he had reportedly harvested before heading home. Friends describe him as an experienced outdoorsman who was properly equipped for backcountry conditions.
Coordinated Search Effort Across Multiple Agencies
In addition to the Clackamas County Search and Rescue team, the mission has drawn help from:
- Mountain Wave Emergency Communications
- Portland Mountain Rescue
- Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue
- Hood River Crag Rats
- Search and Rescue teams from Columbia, Marion, Multnomah, and Washington County Sheriff’s Offices
- And the 304th Rescue Squadron (PJs) from the Portland Air National Guard Base
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the search would continue through Sunday evening and resume Monday morning.
Earlier Developments
The search began late Friday night after deputies received a call around 6:20 p.m. reporting Dobek missing. Throughout the night, searchers reported hearing what were believed to be gunshots in the area, possibly from Dobek, but could not determine the source.
Saturday’s poor weather initially hampered air operations, but by Sunday, conditions improved enough for aircraft and additional drone teams to join in. Crews have been using ATVs, K9 units, and GPS tracking to cover the dense forest, though signal coverage in the area remains limited.
Public Asked Not to Self-Deploy
While the Sheriff’s Office has received numerous offers from community members wishing to assist, officials emphasize that no additional volunteer help is being requested at this time. Search efforts remain highly coordinated among professional and trained rescue units.
How to Help
Anyone with information regarding Devon Dobek’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 503-723-4949 or submit a tip online through the “Submit A Tip” form on the Sheriff’s Office website or via the ClackCo Sheriff mobile app.
Please reference CCSO Case #25-022972.
That Oregon Life will continue to follow this story and provide updates as new information becomes available.
