Two Hikers Rescued on Oregon's South Sister
Deschutes County Search and Rescue and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to two hikers who called for help on Wednesday, April 24, 2026. The hikers were two males in their 20s, one of whom was starting to experience a medical issue and mild hypothermia.
The hikers had driven from the Philomath area, west of Corvallis, Oregon, to hike South Sister in the Three Sisters Wilderness. They parked at the Dutchman’s Flat Sno-Park, across from the base of Mt. Bachelor. The two were reportedly on their way back down when they called for help.
A team of thirteen volunteers from SAR Medical and Mountain Rescue reached the hikers at 8:25 p.m. One of them was able to walk out without assistance. The second was warmed and treated for hypothermia before being transported out by Cascade rescue sled.
After navigating deep and variable snow conditions, crews reached Cascade Lakes Highway with the hikers at 3:45 a.m. One hiker was transferred to Bend Fire & Rescue, who transported him in an ambulance for further evaluation, while the other hiker was brought back to his car.
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Cascade Lakes Highway is still closed for the season, from just above Dutchman’s to just below Crescent Lake Junction. Hiking on South Sister is often accessed via the Devil’s Lake/Wickiup trailhead, which is 6.7 miles up the closed section of the highway.
Backcountry skiers often access South Sister and the rest of the Three Sisters Wilderness via snowmobile until the road opens in late May.
In the summer months, South Sister is a rugged hike that gains 4,900 ft. of elevation in 5.5 miles. The mountain often stays snow-covered into mid-late June and even July, which also makes it a popular spot for spring backcountry skiing.
Related: Alta Just Revived a Legendary Powder Skiing Tradition That Disappeared for 28 Years
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