Lost hiker found safe in Sisters Country

An 18-year-old hiker who got separated from his companions was found safe after wandering for several hours in the Pole Creek drainage.

Broek Dyer of Woodburn, Washington, called 911 and reported that he had been wandering for four hours after having lost the trail. Dyer had spent the night camping with two companions, then on their way back had become separated. Dyer had been making contact with his companions via text messages, but they had not been able to locate him.

Dyer's GPS coordinates were obtained from the 911 call showing that Dyer was about two miles south of the trailhead, then about 500 meters to the east on the opposite south side of Soda Creek. Phone contact was made with Dyer to advise him to remain at his location until Search and Rescue (SAR) arrived.

Dyer's cell phone battery was nearly dead at the time he called 911.

Dyer's companions were able to hike out to the Pole Creek trailhead without incident, where they were advised to wait for SAR so further details could be obtained.

Ten Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue members responded to the Pole Creek trailhead, where teams were deployed on the trail at about 8:30 p.m.

Dyer was located at about 9:50 p.m. where he was waiting by his tent with a fire.

Dyer was escorted by SAR personnel back to the Pole Creek Trail head where they arrived at about 11:10 p.m.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office reminds those who recreate in the backcountry to carry the "10 Essentials." In particular on this incident a map of the area, a GPS, and a way to recharge a cell phone would have been very beneficial.

A detailed list of the 10 Essentials can be found at www.deschutessearchandrescue.org.