Injured Pacific Crest Trail hiker rescued

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A man was rescued after a rock injured him while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.

Cory Mills said he had gone off the trail when the rock fell and injured him. He sent a “911” distress message to a family member who then called the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

When deputies sent out to find him, they had trouble contacting him by his phone or get his coordinates through his cell phone carrier. From there, the Lane County Sherrif’s Office was contacted for assistance and sent in 2 ground search and rescue teams while Deschutes County Search and Rescue sent out a ground team of 6 volunteers.

DCSO Search and Rescue found Mills on the PCT about 4.5 miles from Devil’s Lake Trailhead. He was attempting to hike his way out, even with his injuries.

He was helped back to the Devil’s Lake Trailhead by around 9:30 on Wednesday night. He declined any further medical assistance but went to a nearby hospital with a friend.