After an extensive four-day effort, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has suspended its search and rescue operations for Susan Lane-Fournier, a 61-year-old hiker who disappeared in the Mt. Hood National Forest near Welches.
Lane-Fournier, who also goes by the name "Phoenix," was reported missing Friday after failing to show up for work. Her last known location was near the Green Canyon Way trail area south of Welches, where her pickup truck was discovered parked along East Salmon River Road. It is believed she was hiking with her two dogs when she went missing.
Search Efforts and Suspension
From Saturday through Tuesday, dozens of volunteers, drone teams, and K9 units dedicated more than 800 hours to searching for Lane-Fournier. Despite their efforts, the CCSO decided to suspend the search due to worsening weather conditions and concerns about survivability, with overnight temperatures dropping into the 30s and light rain in the area.
“She’s familiar with this area and is an experienced hiker,” deputies noted, “but she may not have been prepared to spend nights outdoors under these conditions.”
Community Response
James Evans, a friend of Lane-Fournier, was among the first to rally support for the search.
“The more hands, the better,” Evans said. “We’re local up here and know the area very well. We just want her to come back, and we want to find her.”
Evans described Lane-Fournier as “a loving, kind soul” and a “hippie” with a generous spirit. “She’s just a good soul, and I appreciate that about her,” he added.
Description and Ongoing Investigation
Lane-Fournier is described as 5 feet, 2 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with reddish-brown hair. She was last believed to be with her two dogs.
Although search operations have concluded, the CCSO continues to investigate her disappearance as an active missing person case. Investigators are working to establish a detailed timeline leading up to her disappearance and are asking the public for any information that may aid in locating her.
How to Help
Anyone who may have seen Lane-Fournier or her dogs, or has information about her whereabouts, is encouraged to contact the CCSO non-emergency dispatch line at 503-655-8211 or submit tips using the CCSO’s online form.
The community remains hopeful for her safe return as efforts continue behind the scenes.
