10/31/25 - Injured Climber Rescued By Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue - 11/03/25
Correction: The original release listed the wrong assisting fire department. The correct department is listed below.
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On October 31st at about 6:30 p.m., the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a notification from an emergency distress GPS beacon near George Creek in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue (SAR) personnel determined who the beacon belonged to, and requested Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District search for their vehicle while SAR responded from the valley. McKenzie Fire personnel located the involved vehicle at Separation Lake trailhead.
Around midnight, SAR located the injured hiker off-trail near the GPS coordinates. They provided emergency medical care, including treating for possible hypothermia. Once the subject was able to move, SAR escorted them back to their vehicle.
Please follow these tips to stay safe when you explore the outdoors in our county:
⛰️ Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
?️ Know conditions before you leave - rain in the valley can mean ice up high!
?️ Be prepared to stay out overnight - even if you don't plan to get out of your car.
?️ Bring maps for offline navigation - cell service can be spotty!
? If you go on the water, ALWAYS wear a life jacket!
Nearly every week, Lane County Sheriff's Search & Rescue deputies and volunteers assist our residents and visitors in all types of environments. Learn more about our Search & Rescue program or donate to their work at: www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/volunteers/search_and_rescue