Budlong was last seen on September 24, 1995. He went on a solo climb up Mount Hood, specifically Cathedral Ridge, a well-known climbing area on the northwest side of Mount Hood. Budlong's tent was discovered the day after he was set to ascend the mountain at the 7, 000 foot mark (Mt. Hood is 11, 235-foot peak in Mount Hood National Forest). He was an experienced climber. Authorities believe Budlong suffered an accident on the mountain, possibly on the Reid Glacier, but his body has never been recovered.