Hiker Rescued by Blackhawk After Falling Tree Branch Injures Three in Southern Oregon

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. — A Blackhawk helicopter from the Oregon Army National Guard rescued one of the three hikers struck by a large falling tree branch while hiking near Harriette Lake on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) on Sunday at around 1:00 PM.

After a U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer and two Klamath County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to calls for help from two hikers injured after being struck by a large falling tree branch, the third hiker was found to be in more serious condition.

The deputies contacted the Klamath County Search and Rescue (SAR) coordinator while en route, who requested helicopter assistance from Oregon Emergency Management (OEM).

A Blackhawk helicopter, already in the area after responding to a separate incident, quickly arrived on the scene and assisted all three hikers. The most seriously injured hiker was airlifted, while the other two hikers were able to walk out on their own.