Crooked River Ranch hiker falls nearly 50 feet from Steelhead Falls trail, suffers life-threatening injuries

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) – An elderly Crooked River Ranch resident fell on a trail and tumbled nearly 50 feet down an embankment while hiking with his daughter at Steelhead Falls Sunday afternoon, suffering life-threatening injuries and prompting a rescue effort, officials said.

The man was hiking a very familiar trail with his adult daughter, who also lives on the ranch, when he suddenly fell, landing on the riverbank downriver from the falls, Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue Paramedic/Public Information Officer Grant Caudel said Monday.

CRR Fire & Rescue, Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police responded to the accident, reported shortly before 5 p.m., Caudel said.

Rescuers were able to stabilize and remove the man from the rock-filled bank, placing on a stretcher and hiking a half-mile back to the park and waiting ambulance.

The man was taken to the CRR Fire & Rescue station, from where a Life Flight helicopter from Redmond flew him to St. Charles Bend.

Caudel said it was not clear what prompted the fall on a trail the man and his daughter had walked previously. It’s possible he stumbled on the fairly rocky trail, he added.

Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue reminded all to never hike alone, be prepared for the terrain you might encounter and always ensure someone knows where you are and when to expect you.