The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office administers a seasonal forest patrol program funded by the United States Forest Service.
The position runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. The Forest Patrol Deputy patrols the forested areas of the county including the lakes and campgrounds.
Nearly two-thirds of Hood River County is national forest. The United States Forest Service fully funds the Sheriff’s Office position to supplement regular patrols and assist USFS Law Enforcement in the forests during peak summer months. The Forest Patrol Deputy patrols trailheads, campgrounds, and recreation areas. The position responds to emergent situations in the forest, including search and rescues. The assigned deputy works closely with other deputies, Forest Service personnel, Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and Wasco County law enforcement.