Kenneth Budlong, 45, set out on a solo climb of Mount Hood on September 24, 1995, during a ten-week sabbatical from his job at Nike. An experienced mountaineer with 22 prior summits of Mount Hood, he chose the technically difficult Cathedral Ridge on the northwest side — a route he had not attempted before. He missed a scheduled call the next afternoon, and a search began.

Rescuers found Budlong’s tent at about 7,000 feet near McNeil Point shelter with his backpack, sleeping bag, a climbing book, and a Bible inside. He was well equipped with food and survival gear, including a space blanket, warm clothing, crampons, and an ice ax, but his helmet was missing. Searches faced freezing rain, high winds, and exposed crevasses; military helicopters and teams from across the Northwest took part but no sign of Budlong was ever found. Authorities believe he likely suffered an accident on the mountain, possibly a fall on the Reid Glacier, but his whereabouts remain unknown.

Did anyone climb Cathedral Ridge or travel near McNeil Point around late September 1995 who might remember seeing him or equipment left on the route?