Climbers rescued after ropes get stuck at Smith Rock State Park

Deschutes County Search & Rescue volunteers rescued two climbers stranded nearly 400 feet above the ground at Smith Rock State Park early Tuesday morning. The men became stuck on a narrow ledge after their ropes caught in rocks during a descent Monday night.

The climbers, two men in their late 20s from Eugene and Salem, were rescued from a route known as "Wherever I May Roam." The pair requested assistance at 8 p.m. Monday after they were unable to continue their descent on the west side of the park.

The incident began when the climbers' ropes became wedged in rocks during a rappel. The equipment failure left them stranded on a ledge on the west side of the park after they had spent the afternoon climbing. During their ascent, which began at 12 p.m. Monday, the pair reportedly paused several times to allow other climbers to pass them.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue deployed several of its most experienced volunteer climbers to handle the technical operation. The rescue required team members to navigate steep and exposed terrain entirely at night in cold conditions. Officials described the situation as highly technical due to the location and the nighttime environment.

Once rescuers reached the men, they secured them with ropes and lowered them to the base of the route. The operation concluded at 1 a.m. Tuesday when the climbers were brought safely to the ground. Neither climber reported any injuries following the five-hour rescue mission.

While the climbers were unhurt, authorities noted they were cold and had not adequately prepared for the low nighttime temperatures. The men remained at the scene until the conclusion of the operation before being released.