Hiker lost in Willamette National Forest for 2 days rescued

A 50-year-old man who had been missing in the Willamette National Forest since Thursday was rescued by the Coast Guard early Saturday.

Search and rescue personnel were first alerted of the missing hiker after ground crews found the man’s parked car and his backpack near the trailhead. A helicopter was launched and rescuers searched until nightfall but weren’t able to find him.

The search resumed the next day and it wasn’t until just before midnight on Friday that crews found the man. The hiker, located near Oakridge, was dehydrated and extremely hypothermic, according to the Coast Guard.

He was rescued by an aircrew early Saturday morning and brought to the Eugene airport where he was then taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center.

“The Coast Guard encourages hikers to take caution when venturing into the outdoors. Always be aware of your surroundings and be mindful of dangerous terrain. Hikers should have the proper equipment and a reliable means of communication in case of an emergency,” said the Coast Guard in a statement on the rescue.