Eugene, OR – Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue (SAR) and Mounted Posse deputies responded to multiple incidents on the Pacific Crest Trail this week, aiding hikers who were lost, injured, or in need of emergency assistance.
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, the first incident occurred Wednesday morning when a hiker reported a serious foot injury near the South Sister area. Emergency crews received the alert at about 8 a.m. and reached the hiker around 2 p.m. SAR volunteers and Mounted Posse members carried the hiker on a wheeled stretcher before transporting him back to the trailhead. He was later taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
On Friday night, SAR units were again called to action after an SOS signal was activated on the Pacific Crest Trail near Lava Camp around 9:30 p.m. Rescuers located the hiker at about 3 a.m. Saturday. The man had triggered the device after a bear charged at him. He was not injured but remained with SAR members until hiking out of the area safely the following morning.
Officials reminded hikers to plan ahead and be prepared when venturing into Oregon’s backcountry. The Sheriff’s Office urged residents and visitors to always tell someone their route, prepare for the possibility of overnight stays, and bring offline maps due to limited cell coverage.
SAR deputies and volunteers respond to emergencies nearly every week throughout Lane County, assisting residents and visitors across a range of environments, from wilderness trails to waterways.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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