Two hikers from Portland got lost above the snow line on
Nesmith Point on Saturday afternoon, prompting a search and rescue operation,
according to reports. The two Portland women were found just after midnight.
The husband of one of the hikers reported he received a call
from his wife around 3 p.m. Saturday. She told him they were at the top of
Nesmith Point and had become disoriented while backtracking after the snow
fell, covering both the trail and their footsteps.
Search and rescue crews staged at John B. Yeon State Park hiked
uphill to an elevation of 3,800 feet in icy conditions and extreme weather.
The women were experienced hikers and had dressed appropriately
for the conditions, packed food and water and stayed put until rescuers
arrived.
They were brought down and reunited with friends and family
members at about 3:45 a.m. Sunday morning.
