Two hikers rescued in Badlands Wilderness Area after running out of food and water, experiencing medical issue

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding info that hikers were a Portland-area couple)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Two hikers in the Badlands Wilderness Area east of Bend ran out of food and water, got lost, and one experienced a medical issue Sunday afternoon, prompting a call for help and a successful rescue effort, authorities said.

Around 2:40 p.m., Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Search & Rescue (SAR) volunteers responded to a call for help from two hikers in distress in the Badlands, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said in a news release Monday.

The hikers, a Portland-area couple who had ventured out on Flatiron Rock Trail earlier in the day, reported running out of food and water, Carr said. They were also lost, and one hiker was experiencing a medical issue.

They were about four miles from the trailhead when they called for help.

Deputy Josh Westfall first reached the hikers around 4:30 p.m. with food and water. He was joined by a dozen SAR volunteers, who followed with additional food and supplies.

The hikers were assisted to the trailhead, Carr said, but they declined further medical treatment and left the area on their own. 

Carr said the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Search & Rescue want to remind anyone recreating outdoors in the summer heat to take important safety precautions:

Bring a map in case you lose cell phone coverage or your battery dies.

Carry extra food and water beyond what you think you’ll need.

Wear appropriate footwear for the terrain.

Let someone know your plans and expected return time if you get lost.

“Proper preparation can make the difference between a safe outing and a dangerous emergency,” Carr added.

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