Two 21-year-old hikers were rescued after being swept away while attempting to cross a creek on the Icicle Creek Trail near French Creek in Washington on Monday, April 28.
According to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, RiverCom received a satellite text to 911 message from the hikers around 3:30pm. They had sustained lower body injuries and a potential broken toe in the incident, though they had made it to the shore and were waiting for assistance.
Two Chelan County Sheriff’s Office search and rescue Deputies responded to the call in addition 12 members of the Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue. Rescuers hiked 1.5 miles to the French Creek crossing where they found the injured hiker and determined that they had suffered nothing more than minor injuries, but they still needed assistance getting back across the creek.
Heavy run-off flow mean the trail bridge was no longer passable, and deputies on scene requested rope equipment to set up a rope system and assist the hikers across French Creek. They had reached the trailhead with the rescuers by around 10pm.
“Please be aware this time of year creeks can be running high. As little as 6 inches of fast flowing water can sweep an adult off of their feet. Do not attempt to cross fast flowing water as you may end up with significant injuries or worse.” – Chelan County Sheriff’s Office
