Two Hikers Brought To Safety By Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue After Calling For Help On South Sister (Photo)
- 04/23/26
Bend, Ore. -- On Wednesday, April 23, at 4:45 p.m., the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue unit responded to a call for help when a hiker began experiencing a medical issue and became mildly hypothermic.
Two males in their 20s had driven over from the Philomath area to hike South Sister. They parked at Dutchman Flat at the base of Mt. Bachelor and were on their way back down the mountain when they called for help.
Thirteen volunteers from the SAR Medical and Mountain Rescue teams reached the hikers at 8:25 p.m. One hiker was able to walk out without assistance. The second was transported in a Cascade rescue sled after being warmed up by SAR medical personnel.
SAR crews arrived at Cascade Lakes Highway with the hikers at 3:45 a.m., after navigating deep, variable snow. One hiker was transferred to a Bend Fire & Rescue ambulance for further evaluation, while the other was taken to his car.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds hikers to plan ahead and carry plenty of food, water, and proper clothing. Despite spring‑like weather, conditions in higher elevations can change rapidly, especially as the sun sets and temperatures drop.
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Two Hikers Brought To Safety By Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue After Calling For Help On South Sister (Photo)
- 04/23/26
Bend, Ore. -- On Wednesday, April 23, at 4:45 p.m., the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue unit responded to a call for help when a hiker began experiencing a medical issue and became mildly hypothermic.
Two males in their 20s had driven over from the Philomath area to hike South Sister. They parked at Dutchman Flat at the base of Mt. Bachelor and were on their way back down the mountain when they called for help.
Thirteen volunteers from the SAR Medical and Mountain Rescue teams reached the hikers at 8:25 p.m. One hiker was able to walk out without assistance. The second was transported in a Cascade rescue sled after being warmed up by SAR medical personnel.
SAR crews arrived at Cascade Lakes Highway with the hikers at 3:45 a.m., after navigating deep, variable snow. One hiker was transferred to a Bend Fire & Rescue ambulance for further evaluation, while the other was taken to his car.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds hikers to plan ahead and carry plenty of food, water, and proper clothing. Despite spring‑like weather, conditions in higher elevations can change rapidly, especially as the sun sets and temperatures drop.
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