Two hikers were rescued by Mission Search and Rescue Sunday night on Dewdney Mountain.
After reaching the cabin on the Dewdney Grind the hikers planned to continue up the mountain until they reached the Dewdney Peak Lookout, according to John Lemond, MSAR manager.
“They got turned around and realized they had travelled in the wrong direction,” said Lemond. “As it was getting late in the day, they made a good decision to return on the forest service roads rather than risk getting caught in the darkness on the steep trail route.
“Unfortunately, there are a lot of roads in that area with spur roads leading to dead-end log loading areas, and they ended up on one of these roads instead of one that would return to the Norrish Creek Forest Service Road.”
The hikers were able to call for help on their cell phone, and once MSAR identified the hikers’ location through GPS technology, a rescue truck was able to pick them up.
“The pair was in good condition and just glad to be getting back home after a long day of walking,” said Lemond.
MSAR is reminding hikers the days are shorter and the weather can change quickly this time of year. Anyone planning a trip in the woods is encouraged to have adequate equipment with them, including a map, directions to the destination, GPS, headlamp, and proper clothing.