National

Lost hiker spends night in Idaho wilderness. Then his wife’s concern saves him

A 65-year-old hiker was reported missing May 1 near Spokane, Washington. Rescuers in a helicopter spotted him in Idaho and hoisted him to safety.
A 65-year-old hiker was reported missing May 1 near Spokane, Washington. Rescuers in a helicopter spotted him in Idaho and hoisted him to safety. Spokane County Sheriff's Office

A lost hiker spent the night in the Idaho wilderness after going on a trek that started in Washington, authorities said.

His wife’s concerned call to rescuers prompted search efforts, saving him the next day.

The 65-year-old man began his hike at a trailhead at Liberty Lake Regional Park at about 9 a.m. May 1 in Washington, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

His wife became worried when he didn’t return home, and she reported him missing about 8 p.m., deputies said. She said he is an experienced hiker.

Rescuers found his parked vehiclebut couldn’t find him. They also searched throughout the night, deputies said.

The next day, a flight crew spotted him from a helicopter in a remote area in Idaho at about 1:20 p.m.

He was hoisted into the helicopter and was tired but in stable condition, deputies said.

Liberty Lake Regional Park is near the Washington-Idaho border, about 20 miles east of Spokane.

Read Next
Read Next
Read Next

This story was originally published May 3, 2023 at 6:30 PM with the headline "Lost hiker spends night in Idaho wilderness. Then his wife’s concern saves him."

Helena Wegner
McClatchy DC
Helena Wegner is a McClatchy National Real-Time Reporter covering the state of Washington and the western region. She’s a journalism graduate from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She’s based in Phoenix.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER