Helicopter Used To Rescue Hiker After Injury at Blue Pool

MCKENZIE BRIDGE: A Sunday afternoon hike to one of Oregon’s most iconic landmarks turned into a complex rescue operation involving multiple agencies from across the region.

According to Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan, dispatchers received a call at approximately noon on May 3 reporting an injured hiker at Tamolitch Blue Pool, a heavily visited site along the McKenzie River Trail.

The patient, a 53-year-old woman from Terrebonne, had sustained a severe knee injury while hiking. The rugged terrain surrounding Blue Pool‚ known for its steep drop-offs, narrow trails, and limited access points‚ quickly complicated rescue efforts.

Linn County Search & Rescue initiated a response, deploying its technical rope rescue team to reach the patient. Additional support came from the Upper McKenzie Rural Fire District, Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, and Eugene Mountain Rescue, reflecting the level of coordination often required for incidents in remote recreation areas.

Recognizing the difficulty of a ground evacuation, rescuers coordinated with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to request aerial assistance. A helicopter from the United States Coast Guard responded, conducting a hoist rescue after teams on the ground stabilized and prepared the patient.

The woman was flown to a landing zone, where Sweet Home Fire District personnel transported her by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend for further treatment.

While Blue Pool remains one of the McKenzie Valley’s most photographed destinations, it has also become a frequent site for search and rescue operations. First responders note that the trail’s popularity‚ combined with uneven footing, loose rock, and steep riverbanks has led to a steady number of injuries ranging from sprains and fractures to dehydration and falls.

Local agencies, including the Upper McKenzie Rural Fire District and regional SAR teams, routinely respond to calls at the site, often requiring long carry-outs or technical rope systems. In more serious cases, like Sunday’s incident, helicopter extractions are necessary due to the time and physical strain involved in ground transport.

Officials continue to encourage hikers to come prepared with proper footwear, adequate water, and an awareness of trail conditions.