Two climbers were safely rescued after becoming stranded high above the ground at Smith Rock State Park, one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier rock climbing destinations.
According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the men were stuck on a narrow ledge nearly 400 feet up on the park’s west side Monday night after their ropes became tangled in rock formations during a descent.
High-Risk Nighttime Rescue Operation
Specialized volunteers from the Deschutes County Search & Rescue responded to the emergency, launching a challenging nighttime operation in steep and hazardous terrain.
Rescuers climbed up to reach the stranded men, secured them with ropes, and carefully guided them back down to safety. The operation concluded around 1 a.m. Tuesday.
Climbers Safe, No Injuries Reported
The climbers, both in their 20s and from Eugene and Salem, were not injured despite the dangerous situation. Officials credited the rescue team’s advanced climbing skills and ability to operate in extreme conditions for the successful outcome.
Popular Climbing Destination with Risks
Smith Rock State Park is known for its dramatic cliffs, miles of hiking trails, and nearly 2,000 established climbing routes, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. However, the incident highlights the risks climbers face, especially during descents and in low-light conditions.
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