Searchers spent the week searching for Mitchell in a 40-square-mile area. He was found in the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness, according to Mountain Wave Search and Rescue.

MT. HOOD VILLAGE, Ore. – A Portland hiker who did not return from a Saturday hike in the Wildwood Recreation Area was found alive on Thursday, Clackamas County officials said.

Nathan Mitchell, 34, was hiking alone when a powerful weather system moved into the area. His family found his car around 1 a.m. Sunday at the Wildwood Recreation Site just off Highway 26 near Welches.

Searchers spent the week looking for Mitchell in a 40-square-mile area. He was found in a drainage area near Salmon River Road in the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness, according to Clackamas County Sgt. Brian Jensen.

Mitchell was tired, wet and cold, but otherwise in good shape.

It's a miracle. A true miracle. I'm not kidding you!" said Gay Mitchell, Nathan's mother.

Search and rescue teams guided Mitchell out and medics took him to a hospital for evaluation. His family said they expect Mitchell to be released from the hospital as early as Friday.

"This is a really proud, good moment for everyone involved,” said Jensen.

His family did not give up hope. Mitchell’s father said Nathan is an experienced hiker who often hikes alone.