Lost Tahoe hiker, dog hide in bathroom after seeing bear tracks, rescuers say
A hiker who became lost on a Lake Tahoe-area trail with his dog after dark called for help after spotting bear tracks, rescuers reported.
The man and his dog, Roxy, hid inside a bathroom near Barker Pass on Friday, Nov. 28, the Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team Inc. said in a Sunday, Nov. 30, news release.
He told rescuers that his map showed the trail was a loop but that he could not find his way back downhill, rescuers said.
Rescuers stayed on the line with the hiker while skiers in two snow machines made their way to him, according to the Tahoe City search-and-rescue team.
“Everyone was brought down out of the cold and dark safely, including the dog Roxy!” rescuers said.
Barker Pass is about a 30-mile drive northwest from South Lake Tahoe on the western shore of Lake Tahoe.
What to do if you get lost while hiking
If you think you’re getting lost, experts say it’s best to stop where you are and not panic.
You should go over how you got to that point and if you’re able to see any landmarks around.
“Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step,” officials with the U.S. Forest Service said.
You should come up with a plan but stay put unless you are “very, very confident in the route,” experts said.
According to the Forest Service, here are steps hikers can take to avoid getting lost and be better prepared for the unexpected:
- Have more than enough food and water with you.
- Take a compass that you know how to use, or have a GPS device on hand.
- Don’t rely solely on your cell phone. It probably won’t work because of a lack of signal or a depleted battery.
- Study the terrain and your route, and you should know how you’ll return.
- Have the right clothing. Sturdy hiking boots and layers can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
- Pack a blanket, flashlight and matches.
- Check with a local ranger for special warnings. They can tell you about “fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures.”