Hiker Lost In Oregon’s Three Sisters Wilderness Found
The Pacific Northwest is a paradise for those who enjoy outdoor exploration and sports. The Three Sisters Wilderness encompasses several points of interest. The famed 2,663-mile Pacific Crest Trail passes through this wilderness area. Climbers can scale the North Sister, Middle Sister, and South Sister mountains. These peaks are the results of thousands of years of volcanic activity. However, this hikers’ paradise can quickly turn into a nightmare if you become lost and subject to the climate changes characteristic to this area. That’s exactly what happened to Bend, Oregon, resident Erik Larson on September 30.
The Lane County Sherriff’s Search and Rescue team describe how the 28-year-old hiker contacted authorities during the early afternoon, notifying them that he had become lost near Obsidian Falls. Apparently, the hiker left the trail to explore the wilderness, intending to take a brief detour. But he quickly got turned around, and was unable to make his way back to the trail, where he had left his pack of supplies. The hiker became worried, especially since the climate was becoming wet and cold.
Luckily, the authorities were able to locate Larson by using his cellphone. The Oregon publication, The Register-Guard, describes how local volunteers teamed up with Lane County Search and Rescue to assist the missing hiker. The search was conducted on foot and on horseback. The entire search continued into the night, until Larson located his automobile.
Climate changes, especially during the autumn season, can quickly turn an outdoor expedition into a dangerous situation. Luckily, Larson was able to get cellular service while making his way out of the Three Sisters Wilderness.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), hikers must be extremely careful to carry the right supplies during their trip, explaining on the Three Sisters Wilderness page, “You can’t count on cell phone coverage in remote forest areas.”
If you become lost, the USDA recommends that hikers climb to a higher elevation so that they can survey their surroundings and find an exit. However, if you become lost at night, they recommend that you camp in a stationary spot while attempting to signal for help. These steps can make it significantly easier for people to find you.
The Three Sisters Wilderness is an extremely popular location for outdoorsmen, due to its diverse range of trails, climbs, and campgrounds. Visitors have four trails to explore, including the Mink Lake Basin Trail, the Foley Ridge Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Olallie Trail Area. The diversity of interest points makes it an excellent location for hikers of various levels of ability.
The search and rescue team that was instrumental in locating Larson issued a statement on its official Facebook page on October 1. They remind hikers who are exploring this area that “[i]t is important to carry the right survival equipment with you and not leave it.” If you plan on visiting the Three Sisters Wilderness, be sure to pack sufficient waterproof and insulated clothing. Even if it’s hot during the day, temperatures can drop at night.
