Injured Hiker rescued from Enchantments

LEAVENWORTH — Chelan County Sheriff’s Office rescued an injured hiker in the Enchantments on June 20.

According to CCSO, RiverCom received a report of a 32-year-old woman from Seattle who had injured her shoulder during a fall and was unable to walk out. Finding a small window before an incoming wind storm, CCSO responded to the area of Perfection Lake with a helicopter. The hiker was transported to Leavenworth Fish Hatchery, where an ambulance was waiting.

Hikes in the Enchantments require no less than seven miles and 4,400 feet in elevation to reach just one of the lakes, according to the Washington Trails Association (WTA), who says the experience should not be “underestimated.” 

WTA encourages hikers to check trail reports for weather conditions and hazards, plan out hikes within your skills and experience, pack accordingly, and hike with a buddy. It recommends making a plan of what to do in case of an emergency, such as learning how search and rescue works in the area beforehand, packing and knowing how to use a satellite communication device, and taking a wilderness first aid course. According to WTA, search and rescue conduct more than 800 missions a year to help lost and injured outdoor recreationists in Washington state alone.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media