Backcountry Rescue Operations
Three separate backcountry searches end in successful rescues across different national parks.
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In Alabama, the rescue call came at about 3:45 p.m. after one member of the hiking group reached an area with cell service and called 911; rescuers located the injured hiker roughly an hour later, at 4:40 p.m.
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The Isle Royale search used a broad range of resources, including a 45-foot Coast Guard boat, drones, seaplanes, Michigan State Police foot patrols and K-9 units; Berg was first spotted by backpackers in the park.
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Authorities said they had not disclosed what happened to Craig Berg during his disappearance or provided further details about the injuries he sustained.
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Jonathan Bailey and his dog, Wrigley, had been traveling from Thousand Island Lake toward the Elkhart parking lot but failed to reach their planned campsite; hikers reportedly found them near Miller Lake.
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Officials said the Wyoming search benefited from tips and public assistance, emphasizing that even seemingly small pieces of information can matter in a backcountry search covering vast distances and rugged terrain.
Three separate backcountry rescues across the American West and Upper Midwest ended successfully this week, as search teams recovered injured hikers from remote terrain. In Alabama's Bankhead National Forest, a hiker was found after slipping on mud and falling into a creek during a thunderstorm. In Michigan, a 70-year-old man missing for a week on Isle Royale was located alive. And in Wyoming, an Idaho Falls resident and his dog were found safe after days of searching. Each rescue required teamwork among professional responders, volunteers and the public.Local 12News ObserverModesto Bee
Alabama Hiker Found After Hour in Creek
An injured hiker was rescued in Bankhead National Forest after sliding on muddy ground during a thunderstorm and tumbling into a creek. The person crawled for nearly an hour before reaching an area with cell phone service. A member of the hiking group called 911 at about 3:45 p.m. Rescuers located the injured hiker roughly an hour later, at 4:40 p.m. The quick response from both the group and emergency services prevented a longer ordeal.Local 12
Isle Royale Search Finds Missing 70-Year-Old
Craig Berg, a 70-year-old solo hiker, disappeared on Isle Royale National Park on September 5 while hiking on the remote Lake Superior island. He went missing for about a week before backpackers spotted him in the park. Search teams deployed a 45-foot Coast Guard boat, drones, seaplanes, Michigan State Police foot patrols and K-9 units across the rugged island terrain. News Observer reported Berg was found alive and alert but injured and suffering from hypothermia. A Coast Guard helicopter airlifted him for medical care.Local 12News Observer
Wyoming Hiker and Dog Rescued After Week
Jonathan Bailey and his dog, Wrigley, were found alive and safe after disappearing in Wyoming's Wind River Mountains during a weeklong search. The two were traveling from Thousand Island Lake toward the Elkhart parking lot but never reached their planned campsite. Hikers reportedly discovered them near Miller Lake. A helicopter transported them to Pinedale for safety. The Olympian noted that public tips and community assistance proved crucial in locating the pair across the vast, rugged backcountry.The Olympian
Why Teamwork Matters in Remote Terrain Rescues
All three rescues highlight how backcountry emergencies demand quick action and broad resources. Weather changes fast in remote areas. Cell service is scarce. Terrain is rugged. Officials stressed that professional responders, search-and-rescue volunteers and public tips all played vital roles. Even small pieces of information—a sighting, a clue—can matter when searching vast distances. Cooperation between agencies and communities saves lives in conditions where hikers face hypothermia, injury and disorientation.MaconThe Olympian
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