A hiker in her late 60s was rescued after sliding roughly 100 feet on a steep, snowy patch of the Kendall Katwalk near Snoqualmie Pass on Saturday afternoon. The incident, which left her with significant upper‑body injuries, prompted an eight‑hour rescue operation that involved King County Explorer Search and Rescue, Seattle Mountain Rescue, SPART, the King County Incident Support Team, and King County 4x4 Search and Rescue.

Eight‑Hour Operation From 4.5‑Mile Wreck Site

According to the King County Explorer Search and Rescue team, the hiker was located about 4.5 miles from the trailhead, a remote area that required rescuers to hike in with medical equipment and transport gear. The team began the response just before 2 p.m., stabilizing the victim and carrying her on a litter back to the trailhead, where Snoqualmie Pass Fire & Rescue was waiting for additional care.. The entire operation concluded around 10 p.m.,a full eight hours after the initial slide.

Collaboration Across Multiple Units Highlights Interagency Success

The rescue effort was complicated by downed trees, stream crossings,and a cold, windy slope that remained bitterly cold despite mild weather. The agency praised the seamless cooperation between its own units and partner groups, noting that the mission was a “long but successful example of interagency teamwork.”

Lingering Snow Remains a Seasonal Hazard on the Pacific Crest Trail

The incident underscores the danger of lingering snow on shaded nothern slopes well into July. The agency reminded hikers that snow can persist on the Kendall Katwalk, a popular but challenging section of the Pacific Crest Trail,and urged the use of traction devices such as microspikes, extra clothing, and emergency shelter . It also emphasized that search and rescue services are free in Washington state and that anyone in need should call 911 immediately.

Who Was the Hiker and What Are the Unanswered Details?

The report does not identify the hiker’s name or whether she had prior hiking experience. It also leaves unanswered whether the snow patch was a known hazard to local hikers or if the incident prompted any immediate trail closures or advisories. The exact cause of the slide—whether it was a sudden loss of footing or a hidden ice patch—is still unclear.