Rescuers save Ridgefield hiker from potentially fatal conditions at Coldwater Lake

Rescuers saved a 67-year-old Ridgefield man from potentially fatal conditions Friday at Coldwater Lake, 7 miles northwest of Mount St. Helens.

The man had gone for a hike earlier in the day and became disoriented in the dark and snow, according to a Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post.

“The (man) was ill-prepared for the hike, wearing jeans, a flannel and a coat,” the post stated. “He did not have food, water or the ability to make shelter.”

The hiker called a family member, who called Cowlitz County 911. Cowlitz County sheriff’s deputies, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife employees, Cowlitz Search and Rescue team members, Washington State Department of Transportation employees, and Toutle Fire and Rescue team members arrived in the area shortly thereafter.

Responders established the man’s location from cellphone data, located him with a drone and hiked approximately 1.25 miles in deep snow from the South Coldwater Trailhead to his location, 3,200 feet above sea level with temperatures in the 20s and heavy snowfall.

The hiker was described as moderately hypothermic — shivering, having difficulty speaking and unable to physically move. Search and rescue team members provided aid to the man who was eventually able to hike out with assistance, and treated and released at the scene by Toutle Fire and Rescue team members.

“Without rescue efforts, it was very likely the male would not have survived in the harsh conditions,” the post states.

Cowlitz County Search and Rescue President Jim Peters said that hikers should put a variety of items in their vehicle before heading out, including extra clothes, gloves, a blanket or sleeping bag, water, food, a first aid kit, snow chains, a tarp, a flashlight, a small shovel, a tow strap, an ax, road flares, a fire extinguisher, basic standard tools for the vehicle, and a jack.

“I know the list can be longer or shorter, depending on your comfort zone, but this works as a minimum,” he said. “So, please, safe travels to and from your adventures, and if you get lost in between, we have a great group of folks in search and rescue. Also, when you go out on an adventure, please tell someone your plan and when you plan on coming back; that may save your life. Please don’t always rely on your cellphone, especially out in the woods.”