Visually impaired man rescued after he couldn’t see trail markers, Oregon cops say

A visually impaired hiker was rescued after getting lost on a trail, Oregon deputies said.

On Nov. 27, Multnomah County deputies learned the man was lost on a hiking trail near Wahkeena Falls, according to a news release by the sheriff’s office.

The man, who said he was hiking alone after his wife went back to the car, was using his phone’s flashlight to lead the way but eventually could no longer see the trail markers, deputies said.

One deputy found the man’s wife at the Multnomah Falls welcome center, and the other deputy sent the lost man a text message, the sheriff’s office said.

The deputy told the man to stay put while they used his phone’s GPS to determine where he was, the sheriff’s office said.

A team of deputies was deployed and eventually found the hiker who was not hurt, the sheriff’s office said.

The man was guided back to the trailhead and reunited with his wife, deputies said.

Deputies urge the public to remember, if you’re lost, stay put and call 911.

Wahkeena Falls is about a 30-mile drive east of Portland.

What to do if you get lost while hiking

If you think you’re getting lost, experts say it’s best to stop where you are and not panic. You should go over how you got to that point and if you’re able to see any landmarks around.

“Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step,” officials with the U.S. Forest Service said.

You should come up with a plan but stay put unless you are “very, very confident in the route.”

There are steps hikers can take to avoid getting lost and be better prepared for the unexpected:

• Have more than enough food and water with you.

• Take a compass that you know how to use, or have a GPS device on hand.

• Don’t rely solely on your cell phone. It probably won’t work because of a lack of signal or a depleted battery.

• Study the terrain and your route, and you should know how you’ll return.

• Have the right clothing. Sturdy hiking boots and layers can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather.

• Pack a blanket, flashlight and matches.

• Check with a local ranger for special warnings. They can tell you about “fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures.”

This story was originally published November 29, 2024 at 11:09 AM with the headline "Visually impaired man rescued after he couldn’t see trail markers, Oregon cops say."