Human Skull Found Near Trail at Multnomah Falls

There is some speculation the remains may be archaeological, but it is impossible to tell until the forensic examination has been conducted.

Image courtesy: eg.bucknell.edu

(MULTNOMAH FALLS, Ore.) - Hikers found the remains of a human skull while exploring off the main trail near the top of Multnomah Falls Sunday.

A Multnomah County Deputy responded to the location at about 6:30 PM, and secured the scene overnight until the MCSO Detectives unit and the Multnomah County Medical Examiner could investigate in daylight.

Lt. Jason Gates with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office says a visual examination of the skull showed that it was intact and in good condition.

"But had been at the location for an extended period of time, at least decades. A search of the immediate area revealed no other remains other than the skull."

He says the remains were recovered and released to the Deputy Medical Examiner. The skull will be examined by a forensic anthropologist to determine approximate age and/or identity.

There is some speculation the remains may be archaeological, but it is impossible to tell until the forensic examination has been conducted. Multnomah County Detectives have opened a case regarding the remains until age and/or other information either confirms or eliminates a crime.