Account
Jun 29, 2016
Jan 04, 2024
Sanford
Rice
83
75
66 inches
67 inches
150 lbs
160 lbs
White / Caucasian
Male
On June 23, 2016, 75-year-old Sanford "Sandy" Rice, an experienced hiker from Blachly, Oregon, embarked on what was intended to be a day hike in the picturesque Marion Lake area, located off Highway 22. He was reported missing after he failed to return home. His vehicle was later discovered at the Marion Lake Trailhead, and inside, authorities found entry receipts that confirmed his plan for a short, one-day excursion. Several other hikers in the area recalled seeing Rice near the lake that day, providing early hope for his whereabouts. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as a white male with gray hair, blue eyes, and a beard, standing between 5'6" and 5'7" tall and weighing approximately 150 to 160 pounds. He was reportedly wearing a white t-shirt, shorts, and carrying a "cinch" bag. The initial response to Rice's disappearance was swift and extensive. The Linn County Sheriff's Office was notified on June 24, 2016, and deputies were immediately dispatched to the Marion Lake Trailhead. A "Hasty Team" was deployed to begin searching the area throughout the night. The following morning, the search intensified with the addition of six members from the Linn County Mounted Posse and 12 members of the Linn County Search and Rescue team searching on foot. The Oregon Civil Air Patrol also joined the effort, conducting an aerial search of the rugged terrain. The search involved a significant number of resources and partner agencies, including Eugene Mountain Rescue, Corvallis Mountain Rescue, and K9 units, all making a concerted effort to locate the missing hiker. Despite the comprehensive and multi-day search efforts, no significant signs of Sanford Rice were ever found. The terrain around Marion Lake is known for its beauty but also for its challenging and, at times, treacherous conditions. Authorities noted that while Rice was an experienced hiker, he was not equipped to spend more than a day in the wilderness. The extensive search was eventually scaled back after several days of exhaustive work by numerous search and rescue teams. The disappearance of Sanford Rice remains an unresolved and sorrowful mystery. The lack of any substantial clues has left his family, friends, and the community without answers. The case serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks of venturing into the wilderness, even for those with experience.
Jun 23, 2016
Marion Forks
Oregon
Linn County
No
18491
Linn County Sheriff's Office
Albany
Oregon
Linn County
97322
Andy Franklin
Captain
1115 SE Jackson Street, Oregon
5419673950
County
Law Enforcement
16-10471
2016-06-24
Linn County Sheriff's Office
Gray or Partially Gray
Blue
Blue
05/23/2026
