An Oregon hiker was successfully rescued from a 9,493-foot mountain after he texted distress to his girlfriend and she was able to alert officials.
The 40-year-old daredevil climbed Mount McLoughlin on September 28, but ended up getting lost on his way back when temperatures dropped to 29 degrees Fahrenheit.
After spending several hours traveling over broken volcanic rock, he finally texted his girlfriend that he was lost, that he was running out of food and water, and that his cell phone battery was dying.
His partner quickly relayed the request and alerted Southern Oregon Emergency Communications for a rescue.
First responders also contacted the Jackson County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team and began searching for the missing hiker.
Neither the hiker nor his girlfriend have been identified by authorities.
An Oregon hiker was successfully rescued from Mount McLoughlin, a 9,493-foot mountain after he texted distress to his girlfriend and she was able to guide officials to him.
According to a post on facebook Through the Sheriff’s Office, SAR was able to determine his location and set out to locate him through cell phone forensics.
As rescuers walked over rocks shaped like small cars to find him, SAR advised him to sit and stay still while help arrived.
He was soon found wearing only a cotton T-shirt and shorts while suffering from extreme dehydration late at night.
‘HRH advised the man to sit still and wait for help. By nightfall, dressed only in a cotton T-shirt and shorts, he was left without food or water, and suffered mild leg cramps due to dehydration and fatigue.
According to a Facebook post from the Sheriff’s Office, SAR was able to identify his location and set out to locate him through cell phone forensics.
He was soon found wearing only a cotton T-shirt and shorts, and suffering from extreme dehydration late at night.
“A doctor and a volunteer SAR team member assessed him on site and after rehydrating him and feeding him high-energy snacks, determined he could walk with assistance,” the post said.
“A doctor and a member of the SAR volunteer team assessed him on site and, after rehydrating him and feeding him energy snacks, determined that he could walk with assistance.
‘After reaching Highway 140, he was taken back to his car at the Pacific Crest Trail trailhead. He drove home alone around 12:30 a.m.,” the post said.
Jackson County Search and Rescue Sergeant Shawn Richards also warned that “while Mount McLoughlin is attractive for hiking because it is visible from Rogue Valley and appears easy, hikers should take more water than they think they need and never walk alone.”
He also suggested that hikers planning to climb this peak should “have a good paper or electronic map and familiarize themselves with the route, as it is very difficult to identify it near the summit.”
“Moisture-wicking clothing (not cotton) worn in layers and a windproof jacket are essential for survival.”
Jackson County Search and Rescue Sergeant Shawn Richards also warned that “while Mount McLoughlin is attractive for hiking because it is visible from Rogue Valley and appears easy, hikers should take more water than they think they need and never walk alone.”
The 5-mile-long trail to the summit of Mount McLoughlin initially begins as a moderate hike through conifer stands, but as the elevation increases, the trail winds soon begin to turn into rocky terrain.
To avoid getting lost or disoriented, the official said hikers “should return downhill, keeping the poles in sight until the trail leaves the ridge.”
The 5-mile-long trail to the summit of Mount McLoughlin initially begins as a moderate hike through conifer stands, but as the elevation increases, the trail winds soon begin to turn into rocky terrain.
Steep slopes, poor support conditions, and rough, bare rock are common things on the trail. There is also no water along the summit.
According to the Forest ServiceMany people become disoriented or lost on the way back, usually because they descend a different route than the one they used to climb the mountain each year.
To avoid getting lost and disoriented, hikers should return downhill, keeping the posts in sight until the trail leaves the ridge.