Olympic National Park (WA)
Park Volunteer Rescued After Serious Injury
A backcountry volunteer sustained a severe knee laceration while post-holing through a snow-covered boulder field on Saturday, June 26th. He suffered muscle and tendon damage and could not walk out on his own. Rangers from the Lake, Sol Duc, Elwha, Hoh, and Mora subdistricts responded. The ensuing rescue evolved into an arduous overnight carryout in sections of steep, difficult terrain. The injured volunteer was evacuated by ambulance the next morning and taken to the Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles for treatment. He is recovering nicely.