Three bird hunters from Tacoma and two hikers from Sumner were rescued in separate incidents Monday after getting trapped in snow in Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Ashford.
Both groups were reported missing Monday after failing to return from Sunday day trips, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department. Both parties were dressed for the cold weather and stayed with their vehicles overnight.
The Tacoma hunters were rescued eight miles up Forest Road 84. The Sumner hikers were rescued eight miles up Forest Road 85.
Two feet of fresh snow made the rescue by the Sheriff’s Department and the county search and rescue team difficult, sheriff’s officials said. Both parties were trapped when their vehicles got stuck in deep snow.
“People need to take precautions in extreme weather,” Lewis County Sheriff Steve Mansfield said. “Have a plan in place, let people know where you are going and when you plan on returning, take your cell phone with you but remember cell phones often don’t work in remote areas.”
Dress warmly and take extra food and water in case of an emergency, he added.
Craig Hill, The News Tribune
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