A hiker in Washington state survived nearly a week lost in the woods after falling from a tree while attempting a shortcut. The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office reported that the man, whose identity has not been released, was found after a resident heard his cries for help and called 911 early Saturday morning (June 21).
When authorities arrived, they heard the man's faint voice coming from the woods, saying he had fallen from a tree. A search and rescue operation was quickly launched, involving the Washington Explorer Search and Rescue, Kitsap Search Dogs, Olympic Mountain Rescue, and the Suquamish Tribal Police Department. After nearly six hours, the search teams located the man and carried him out on a stretcher.
According to the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, the hiker had been lost for four to five days. He had become disoriented after receiving a ride to the end of a road and wandered into the woods. He was transported to St. Michael’s Medical Center for evaluation and treatment, though his condition remains unclear.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service advises hikers to plan ahead and carry essentials like food, water, a compass, and survival gear to avoid such situations. This incident highlights the importance of preparation and caution when exploring wilderness areas.
Photo: Kitsap County Sheriff's Office