Bend woman slips on icy trail near Sisters, rescued

A 30-year-old Bend woman was injured when slipped on an icy trail near Sisters Wednesday and was rescued by Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, the agency said.

Trisha Russell of Bend called for help just before 1 p.m. for Kendra Owens, a friend who had slipped on ice and suffered an injury while they were hiking on Black Butte Trail northwest of Sisters, said sheriff’s Sgt. Ronny Dozier, SAR operations manager.

Russell said they were one-half to three-quarters of a mile up the trail from the trailhead and could not proceed without assistance, Dozier said.

Seven SAR volunteers, a sergeant, a U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement officer and Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire medics responded to asset Owens.

They reached her at 2:20 p.m., stabilized her injury and took her by wheeled litter to the trailhead. She was then released to Sisters medics, who took her by ambulance to St. Charles Bend. A house supervisor said she was being treated and released Wednesday night.

“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue unit would like to remind those recreating in the outdoors during this time of the year to be prepared for all conditions on the trail,” Dozier said in a news release.

“It is not uncommon at this time to experience dry ground, ice and snow on the same trail. Be prepared with the proper clothing and footwear to safely travel in all conditions.”