By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – An experienced hiker who accidentally walked six hours in the wrong direction was rescued this morning near Lily Lake Basin close to White Pass.
The 55-year-old Kennewick resident left the Goat Rocks Wilderness area on Saturday for an expected 24-hour roundtrip along the Pacific Crest Trail, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
He was well-prepared with the right gear, shelter and food, but became dehydrated because he ran out of water, Chief Deputy Stacy Brown said.
He used his cell phone to call family, who called the sheriff’s office for help last night, according to Brown.
The sheriff’s office coordinated a search and rescue effort that began at 6 o’clock this morning, including members with horses, ATVs and on foot, according to Brown.
The hiker was located at 10:45 a.m. and hoisted to safety by the King County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, Brown said.
The 55 year old was suffering from dehydration and other injuries and had been unable to give clear directions to the SAR coordinator, Brown said.
He was found about three to five miles from the Clear Lost Trail off of U.S. Highway 12; and was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for treatment, according to Brown.