CRATER LAKE, Ore — The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has reported that 2 hikers were rescued after becoming stuck while climbing in the restricted Crater Lake caldera yesterday morning.
Jackson County Search and Rescue responded to a request for assistance from the two climbers at 11:37 am.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, two male visitors from out of state had parked near the Watchman Lookout viewpoint and reportedly entered a restricted area and climbed into the caldera.
The climbers were about 400 feet below the rim when they realized they could not get back out. It was estimated that the drop from the cliff they were on was another thousand feet.
They called 911 for assistance. Crater Lake Park personnel initially responded and asked for assistance from JCSO.
Jackson County SAR activated their Tactical Rope Team to respond with other SAR members. Working for 6 hours with personnel from Crater Lake Park the two subjects were safely returned to the top of the rim. This was a dangerous operation that demanded highly technical skill by the Technical Rope Team.
The subjects were interviewed by Crater Lake personnel and may face sanctions for entering a restricted area.
Jackson County SAR wants to remind everyone that if you need assistance from SAR, there is no fee charged to you for the response of Search and Rescue.
JCSO SAR is always looking for more volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team, go to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office webpage for more information.
