WATCH: Coast Guard Rescues Injured Hiker Missing for Five Days in Oregon Wilderness
JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. — A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew rescued an injured 26-year-old hiker last seen five days ago, Friday morning, in the Illinois River Valley near Greenwall Rapids, Oregon.
During a multi-day search alongside the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend deployed several times throughout the week to conduct aerial searches in support of ground teams. On Friday, a private found the hiker.
Crews asked for Coast Guard helicopter support after determining the individual could not be safely evacuated on foot due to their injuries to his hands and feet.
- Feb 16 2026 4:15 p.m. : last seen near Greenwall Rapids on the Illinois River
- Feb 16 2026 : Josephine County SAR notified : weather limited flights
- Feb 20 2026 morning : private party locates hiker about 2 miles downstream
- Feb 20 2026 11:55 a.m. : MH 65 arrives : rescue swimmer hoists hiker
- Feb 20 2026 : flown to Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay
The MH-65 helicopter arrived at approximately 11:55 a.m and lowered a rescue swimmer who helped safely hoist the hiker onboard the aircraft. The hiker was taken to Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay for evaluation.