Hiker injured on icy Black Butte Trail

Kendra Owens, 30, of Bend, found out the hard way that a spring hike on Black Butte can be a little dicey. She fell on an icy stretch of trail and had to be rescued by local search and rescue volunteers.

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue was dispatched on March 30 at 12:59 p.m. to assist Owens, who had slipped on ice and injured herself while hiking on Black Butte Trail, northwest of Sisters. Kendra's friend and reporting party, Trisha Russell, stated they were half- to three-quarters-of-a-mile up the trail from the trailhead and could not proceed without assistance.

Seven SAR volunteers, one SAR sergeant, one Forest Service law enforcement officer and Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD personnel responded to assist. Rescuers reached Owens at 2:20 p.m., stabilized her injury, and transported her to the Black Butte Trailhead via wheeled litter. Kendra was then released to Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD, and was transported via ambulance to St. Charles Hospital in Bend.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue unit remind those recreating in the outdoors during this time of the year to be prepared for all conditions on the trail. It is not uncommon at this time to experience dry ground, ice, and snow on the same trail. Be prepared with the proper clothing and footwear to safely travel in all conditions.