Two Hikers Suffer Injuries from Rock Fall in Glacier

Two Hikers Suffer Injuries from Rock Fall in Glacier
Date: July 21, 2010
Contact: Amy Vanderbilt, 406 888-5838
Contact: Wade Muehlhof, 406 888-7895

WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Two teenage hikers in Glacier National Park were struck by falling rocks on the Highline trail on Wednesday, July 21, 2010. Both hikers have been transported for medical attention, though the extent of the hikers’ injuries is not known at this time.

A park employee heard yelling on the Highline trail about 2.5 miles east of the Granite Park Chalet and notified the park’s dispatch center at 1:45 p.m. Park staff immediately responded from the Granite Park Chalet and the Swiftcurrent fire lookout, and gave the hikers first aid. The hikers are described as 13 and 19 year-old males.

Additional staff staged to respond with Minuteman Aviation of West Glacier, MT, and the park requested the ALERT helicopter crew from Kalispell Regional Medical Center (KRMC). A thunderstorm initially delayed ALERT and Minuteman Aviation from flying into the area.

Rangers on the ground worked together with both helicopter crews to transport the hikers off the mountain. Around 4:30 p.m. the 19 year-old hiker was transported out of the park by Minuteman Aviation. That patient was transferred to Three Rivers EMS and taken to North Valley Hospital in Whitefish for medical treatment. ALERT flew the 13 year-old hiker to KRMC.

An initial investigation of the rock fall indicates the rock fell from a cliff about 100 feet above the trail. The exact cause is not known, but there appears to be no immediate hazard and the trail remains open. Hikers are reminded to always be aware of possible hazards on park trails.