October 9, 2025 25-605 25-41

Separated Hikers near Agnew Lake

At 1754 hours the Team was called to assist two backpackers who had become separated between Agnew and Gem Lakes on the Rush Creek Trail. The reporting party (RP) stated that the pair had been hiking together since the trailhead but had gained some distance from each other after the Agnew Lake Dam.

When the RP eventually stopped to wait below the Gem Lake Dam, her backpacking partner did not arrive. The RP later returned to the trailhead, with no sign of her partner on the way down. Concerned, she called 911 for assistance.

Rescue base was established at the Silver Lake boat launch, and operations deployed three separate hasty teams to check key locations around the Agnew Lake area, including the Spooky Meadows Trail and the Rush Creek Trail between Agnew Lake and Gem Lake. Team 3 included one of our newly certified Type I Search K-9s. Operations also had the team’s search manager building out assignments. Air resources were discussed but declined due to adverse weather and nightfall.

As Team 1 passed the Agnew Lake Dam, a solo backpacker returning to the trailhead was interviewed and the backpacker confirmed that he had seen the subject just before sunset, positively identifying her to Team 1. Team 1 determined that the subject was not in need of help and was continuing toward her original destination.

Team 1 relayed the findings to operations and the search was suspended. All teams were requested to return to base. Multiple requests to contact the Sheriff’s Office were sent to the subject, who reported in the next day, declining any further assistance.

The solo backpacker who identified the subject communicated to Team 1 that he had cut his multi-night trip short because his dog had injured its paw pads near Island Pass. He had been carrying her for over eight miles when he encountered the MOSAR field team. Team 1 assisted his return to the trailhead by taking shifts carrying the animal and treated her injuries at rescue base with our canine medical kit. He was driven to his vehicle and advised to follow up with veterinary care.

The operation was terminated at 2055 hours.

IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Bush Responders: Case, Gerber, Haugh, Kelly, Knight, Quiring, Romanova, Salay, Wallace, Zila