Rim SAR Retrieves Missing Hiker on the PCT (9/27/09)

The call came about 1830 Sunday evening that a 67-year-old experienced hiker was missing. He was last seen at the bridge crossing Deep Creek near Splinter’s cabin. He and two companions had planned to hike the Pacific Crest Trail using a car shuttle from Fawnskin to Splinter’s Cabin. He apparently missed the turn-off to the cabin and continued on down the PCT. He was described as wearing a blue bandana, red T-shirt, blue shorts and white running shoes (did I say that his hiking companions were female?) When have you ever had such a complete and accurate description of a hiking ensemble from a male companion? The search planning seemed easy enough the question was how far to extend the coverage, Devil’s Hole, Bradford Ridge Path, the spillway? 40 King was also called the same time as us and was able to locate the subject on the PCT near a bridge. It sounded like it would be the bridge near Devil’s Hole but the possibility of the bridge beyond the Hot Springs was a possibility also. When 40 King mentioned that there was a road near him the Devil’s Hole location seemed the best.

The subject was advised to stay put and that help would be on the way. The team sent to Devil’s Hole found the subject in about 5 minutes with the report that the subject decided not to stay put. It did make the search quicker but we were glad that he didn’t get passed the road and heading all the way back to Splinter’s Cabin. This is the second call out this year in the same location and for the same reason. Seems like a sign indicating the way to Splinter’s Cabin might be helpful.