Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue assists injured, lost Smith Rock hikers in separate incidents

(Update: Adding video)

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies and Search and Rescue volunteers responded to help an injured hiker and a lost hiker at Smith Rock State Park in two separate incidents last week.

On Tuesday, March 25, around 11:25 a.m., SAR volunteers were requested to assist with an injured hiker at the popular climbing area.

Park rangers and Redmond Fire & Rescue crews were on the scene when SAR crews arrived. Redmond Fire was identified as the lead medical team while Search & Rescue was assigned to a low-angle rope belay with a wheeled litter.

The subject was taken to the trailhead, then to St. Charles Bend by a Redmond Fire ambulance crew.

The 3 1/2-hour incident involved two deputies and eight SAR volunteers.

"We greatly appreciate our strong relationship with Smith Rock Park rangers and the Redmond Fire Department," the SAR Foundation said in a Facebook posting.

The second incident began around 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, when a page went out for DCSO SAR volunteers requesting the Ground and MRU (mountain rescue unit) teams based on a SOS beacon activation at Smith Rock State Park.

The two teams separated, based on the location of the beacon ping, uncertain whether the subject was in a technical area. MRU climbed two separate routes near Morning Glory Wall while the Ground team approached the top from Misery Ridge Trail.

Based on the terrain and unknown location of the subject, a second page went out at 10:52 p.m. for additional MRU members and the Air Ops/Drone team.

"Our teams continuously utilized sound sweeps in an attempt to accurately locate the subject, which seemed imprecise at times due to the terrain and wind that would shift the sound of the subject's response," officials said.

The MRU team made initial contact at the very top of the route, on a near-flat surface. The Ground team made contact shortly after.

A medical assessment was conducted, which ruled out any medical concerns. All volunteers and the subject returned to the trailhead around 2 a.m.

The six-hour rescue operation involved one deputy and 17 SAR volunteers.

"We thank the Deschutes County Patrol Deputies who attempted to locate the subject while SAR was en route," the SAR Foundation said in Monday's posting about that rescue.