Lost hiker found near Pole Creek Trail

One of three Salem-area teens camping southwest of Sisters called Deschutes County dispatchers late Saturday afternoon to report he became separated from his companions, lost the trail and had been wandering for four hours, prompting a rescue effort, officials said.

Sheriff’s Search and Rescue was dispatched around 5 p.m. after Broek Dyer, 18, of Woodburn, called dispatchers to advise he was lost, said Deputy James Whitcomb, assistant SAR coordinator.

Dyer had spent the night camping with companions Jordan Cagle and Caleb Conner, both 18 and of Salem, and on their way back had become separated, Whitcomb said.

Dyer had been in contact with the other pair by text messages, but they had not been able to locate him.

Dyer’s GPS coordinates, obtained from his 911 phone call, showed he was about two miles south of the Pole Creek Trailhead and about 500 meters to the east, on the opposite (south) side of Soda Creek, Whitcomb said.

Dyer was advised by phone to stay where he was until SAR arrived, the deputy said, adding that Dyer’s cellphone battery was nearly dead when he called 911.

Dyer’s companies hiked out to the trailhead without incident and were advised to wait for further word from SAR.

Ten SAR members responded to the trailhead and teams were deployed on the trail around 8:30 p.m., Whitcomb said.

Dyer was located around 9:50 p.m., waiting by his tent with his dog and a warming fire going. He was escorted by SAR personnel back to the trailhead, where they arrived around 11:10 p.m.

Whitcomb reminded those who recreate in the backcountry to carry the 10 Essentials. In particular on this incident, a map of the area, a GPS and a way to recharge a cellphone would have been very beneficial, he added.

A detailed list of the 10 Essentials can be found at http://www.deschutessearchandrescue.org.