Climber rescued from North Sister in operation that used 3 helicopters

A climber was rescued via helicopter from the high elevations of North Sister on Saturday, according to Lane County Search and Rescue.

The climber "likely had several broken bones and was on an exposed scree slide taking rockfall," a news release said. North Sister is considered the most challenging and technical to climb of the trio of volcanoes in Central Oregon.

The climber, who was not identified, was able to call 911 and give rescue teams his location and condition.

To begin the rescue, a LifeFlight helicopter was dispatched while Deschutes County Sheriff’s search and rescue volunteers deployed via an AirLink helicopter. An additional backup team of SAR volunteers began climbing to the location as well, officials said.

"Once the climber was located, the SAR personnel flown in by helicopters were able to climb to his location, provide medical care, and move him from the precarious slope," a news release said.

With the climber being cared for, an Oregon Army National Guard helicopter responded and airlifted the individual to an area hospital for additional medical care. The AirLink retrieved the rescuers from the climber’s location, while the backup team climbed back down and hiked out.

"This rescue required a great deal of coordination and staff, including the three involved helicopters," officials said.

Those involved in the rescue included: Lane County Search & Rescue volunteers, Eugene Mountain Rescue, Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Deschutes County Search & Rescue, LifeFlight, AirLink and the Oregon Army National Guard.

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 16 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon.” He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors.