Rescuers Save Stranded Climber on Broken Top
A 34-year-old Bend man was rescued after becoming stranded on the east-facing ridge above the Broken Top crater.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Emergency Response
Deschutes County Search and Rescue rescued a 34-year-old Bend man stranded on Broken Top after a 911 call was received at 3:15 p.m. on October 23, 2026. The Army National Guard later hoisted the man and two rescuers from the summit to Mt. Bachelor.
Why it matters
The man had climbed the area before, but unusual conditions including a lack of snow and unstable, crumbly rock posed hazards he was not equipped to navigate. Temperatures near freezing and rising concern for hypothermia made immediate ground assistance necessary for Bend residents who venture into the Cascades.
Four Mountain Rescue Unit members were assigned to the mission, and rescuers reached the stranded man at 2:13 a.m. on October 24, roughly 11 hours after the 911 report. The National Guard did not attempt a hoist the evening of October 23 due to high altitude and limited daylight.
The players
Deschutes County Search and Rescue
The county-based volunteer search and rescue organization that led the response to the stranded climber on Broken Top.
Army National Guard
The state militia component that was asked to assist with a helicopter hoist and carried out the 9:06 a.m. hoist from the summit to Mt. Bachelor.
The details
Two MRU members were flown by AirLink to a landing zone on the northwest ridge of Broken Top at 6:20 p.m. on October 23 and reached the man overnight, securing him with climbing equipment; no medical treatment was required for anyone involved.
Timeline
October 23, 2026, 3:15 p.m.: Deschutes County 911 received the report of a stranded climber.
October 23, 2026, 6:20 p.m.: Two Mountain Rescue Unit members were flown to the northwest ridge landing zone.
October 24, 2026, 2:13 a.m.: Rescuers reached and secured the stranded man.
October 24, 2026, 6:30 a.m.: The team arrived at the summit with the man.
October 24, 2026, 9:06 a.m.: The National Guard hoisted the man and two rescuers to Mt. Bachelor.
Seasonal Patterns
Late-October high-elevation rescues in the Cascades, such as this Broken Top operation, often occur as early snow and freezing temperatures change terrain conditions. This incident fits a pattern in which altitude and limited daylight constrain helicopter operations and push responders toward overnight ground assistance.
Hikers and climbers heading into the Cascades should carry adequate climbing gear and check current conditions, since unstable rock and freezing temperatures can quickly turn a familiar route hazardous. Anyone who finds themselves stranded should call 911 early, as the rescue timeline here stretched across most of a night.
The takeaway
Experience on a route does not guarantee safety when snow cover, rock stability and temperatures change, and early calls for help can shorten the time a rescue takes.
Further reading
For more on how local crews respond to incidents like this, see Emergency Response coverage for Bend.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Nugget Newspaper.
