Officials report four Dog Mountain Trail rescues in two week stretch

That evening, crews were dispatched up the Dog Mountain Trail for a hiker with a medical condition. The patient, an adult male, was descending the trail a mile up from the trailhead. He received medical intervention and was able to trek the remaining portion of the trail.

Crews were again dispatched Sunday afternoon for an injured hiker at the top of the Dog Mountain Trail. Moments later, crews were also dispatched to a motor vehicle collision at milepost 54 on S.R. 14 (the site of a recent fatality collision) just next to the Dog Mountain parking lot and trail head. Crews responded with multiple apparatus and assisted the five occupants from the three car collision. All occupants were evaluated and treated by medical personnel for minor injuries and released.

After officials cleared the crash scene, rescue crew members began up the trail to assist the hiker. The injured hiker, an adult woman, was to the south of the meadow about 3.5 miles up the steep trail. A helicopter transferred the patient to awaiting crews at Home Valley Park, and the patient was transported to PeaceHealth Southwest by ambulance for an ankle injury. SCFD #1, Wind River Search and Rescue, Silver Star Search and Rescue and SCSO were also on scene.

Dog Mountain Trail is a popular destination this time of year due to the spring flowers that bloom in the meadow. SCEMS reminded the public in a written release Sunday that the meadow, while beautiful, is at an elevation gain of 2,800 feet from the trailhead—and the trail is difficult if not dangerous and should only be trekked by experienced, prepared hikers. Rescue operations involving multiple volunteer organizations are expensive and timely, SCEMS said.