4,500 marijuana plants discovered in the Gorge

STEVENSON, Wash. - Authorities on Wednesday discovered at least 4,500 marijuana plants growing on a steep hillside above the Columbia River near here.

The large marijuana grow operation was located about 10 miles east of Stevenson, according to the Skamania County Sheriff's Office.

When officers entered the area Wednesday morning, about six people wearing camouflage clothing were seen running from the area. Authorities arrested one suspect about a mile from the area where plants were growing.

Evidence at the scene suggested people had been living at the site while tending to the plants, the sheriff's office said.

Authorities planned to airlift the plants off the hillside.