Solo Hiker in Shorts and T-Shirt Without Adequate Supplies Rescued From Mount McLoughlin, OR, in 29ºF Temps

A 40-year-old Central Point, Oregon, man was rescued from Mount McLoughlin late Saturday night after becoming lost during a solo hike. At 9:30 p.m., the Jackson County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team successfully located the hiker after a challenging ascent through dense foliage and treacherous lava fields.

• Related: Hiker Rescued After Unplanned Night on Colorado 14er After Work Colleagues Left Him to Summit Alone

The man began climbing the 9,493-foot peak at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28. After reaching the summit, he lost the trail during his descent and veered south into untracked terrain. As his food and water supplies dwindled and his cell phone battery ran low, he texted his girlfriend for help around 5:00 p.m.

SAR teams used cell phone forensics to pinpoint the hiker’s location. They advised him to remain stationary while they navigated the difficult terrain to reach him. The rescue operation was complicated by rapidly dropping temperatures, with overnight lows reaching 29 degrees Fahrenheit near dawn.

When found, the hiker was wearing only a cotton t-shirt and shorts, suffering from mild cramping due to dehydration and fatigue. A SAR physician evaluated him on-site, providing rehydration and high-energy snacks before assisting him down the mountain.

• Related: ‘Highly Unprepared’ Hiker Out of Food and Water Forced to Spend Unplanned Night in Colorado Mountains After Getting Lost and Injured

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Sgt. Shawn Richards of Jackson County SAR emphasized the importance of proper preparation when hiking Mt. McLoughlin. He advised:

• Carrying more water than anticipated
• Never hiking alone
• Using reliable maps and familiarizing oneself with the route
• Wearing moisture-wicking, layered clothing with a wind shell

Sgt. Richards commended the hiker for staying put once lost, which greatly facilitated the rescue effort and enhanced the safety of the SAR team.

• Related: Body of Hiker Without Mountaineering Boots, Crampons, or Helmet Recovered From Snowy Couloir on Aspen, CO, 14er

Mount McLoughlin is a dormant stratovolcano in the Cascade Range of southern Oregon, standing at 9,493 feet. It is a prominent landmark for the Rogue River Valley and part of the Sky Lakes Wilderness. The mountain, formed from alternating lava flows and pyroclastic eruptions has a rich geological history dating back to the late Pleistocene. Known for its symmetrical shape, Mount McLoughlin attracts hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning views from its summit and a challenging trail that winds through diverse ecosystems.