On Saturday June 6, 2026, at approximately 3:30 PM, a Cannon Beach Fire District Deputy Chief was conducting a routine patrol in Ecola State Park when he was notified by Oregon State Park Rangers of a missing dog.
Upon arriving at Ecola State Park, the Deputy Chief made contact with the dog’s owners, who reported that their dog had been missing for about two hours. According to the owners, the dog became startled while hiking and ran off into the surrounding area. The owners had been searching the area but were unable to locate the canine.
While gathering information, two individuals exiting a nearby trail approached the Deputy Chief and asked if he was searching for a dog. They reported having seen a dog stranded on a steep cliffside. The Deputy Chief immediately requested assistance from the Cannon Beach Police Department and specifically requeste the department’s drone operator to help locate the animal.
The Cannon Beach Police Department quickly deployed a drone and successfully located the on the cliffside. Based on the location and terrain involved. the Deputy Chief activated the Cannon Beach Fire District’s High Angle Rope Rescue Team through emergency dispatch.
Upon arrival, and with assistance from the two reporting individuals, members of the rope rescue team located and confirmed the dog was stranded approximately 100 feet down a steep cliff face. Rescue personnel developed a plan utilizing high-angle rope rescue techniques. Rescuers hiked to a position above the dog and established two rope systems anchored at the top of the cliff.
The initial rescue plan called for two rescuers to descend over the cliff and access the dog. However, as the first rescuer descended toward teh animal, the dog became frightened and moved farther across teh cliff face, creating additional challenges and preventing the second rescuer from safely accessing its location. Demonstrating exceptional skill, adaptability, and composure, the first rescuer carefully traversed teh cliff face and successfully made contact with the dog. The rescuer secured the animal using its harness and then attached the dog to himself for the ascent. Once both were secured, the rope rescue team above safely hoisted the rescuer and dog back to the top of the cliff.
The dog was safely reunited with its owners. Aside from a few scratches, the dog appeared to be in good condition and was transported to a veterinarian for further evaluation.
“We are extremely proud of our personnel and the countless hours they dedicate to training and preparation,” said Cannon Beach Fire District Deputy Chief Jason Smith. “The success of this rescue operation is a direct result of teamwork, planning, and the high level of training maintained by our rescue personnel.”
The Cannon Beach Fire District would like to thank the Cannon Beach Police Department for their drone operations and assistance in locating the dog. The Cannon Beach Fire District also extends its appreciation ot Seaside Fire & Rescue for sending a fire engine to Cannon Beach Fire Station to provide station coverage during the incident, ensuring continued emergency response capabilities throughout the district while rescue operations were underway.
