Deschutes County, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers responded to back‑to‑back missions this week, assisting injured and ill hikers in two separate areas of the county.

Misery Ridge, Smith Rock State Park – July 22, 2026

On July 22, 2026, at 1:46 p.m., a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Special Services Deputy was dispatched to Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park for a report of a hiker who was dehydrated, not alert, and unable to safely descend the trail.

The patient, a 58‑year‑old woman from the San Francisco area, was reported to be about two‑thirds of the way up the trail. One Special Services Deputy and ten Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteers responded. Redmond Fire & Rescue, Bend Fire & Rescue, and a Smith Rock State Park Ranger also assisted. Bend Fire personnel and the park ranger reached the patient at approximately 2:40 p.m., providing initial care.

SAR volunteers and the deputy arrived shortly thereafter, assisted with medical evaluation, and transported the patient down the trail via wheeled litter without incident. She was transferred to Bend Fire at approximately 4:30 p.m. and taken to St. Charles-Bend for further care.

Green Lakes Trail – July 23, 2026

On July 23, 2026, at 1:38 p.m., Deschutes County 911 received a text‑to‑911 from an 18‑year‑old male near Green Lakes requesting assistance for a leg injury. Due to poor cell service, communication with the person was limited, and details of the injury were initially unclear.

A Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Special Services Deputy and twelve SAR volunteers responded. SAR teams hiked approximately 4.5 miles from the Green Lakes Trailhead and located the injured hiker and his friend, both from Sunriver. It was later learned that the two had been descending Broken Top when one tripped and fell, resulting in the injury. SAR medical personnel evaluated the hiker and determined he could not walk out on his own.

The patient was transported on a wheeled litter back to the trailhead, where he was released to friends, who took him to St. Charles-Bend for further evaluation.

Safety Reminder

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind those recreating outdoors to stay hydrated, carry ample water, tell friends or family where you're going, and take additional precautions when hiking during hot or smoky conditions. The Sheriff's Office thanks all of our SAR volunteers, Redmond Fire & Rescue, Bend Fire & Rescue, and Oregon State Parks staff for their assistance in these missions.

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