The Skamania County EMS and Rescue is urging people to be cautious after the agency responded to four emergency calls over the past two weekends in the Dog Mountain Trail area.
At about 12:30 p.m. May 2, crews were dispatched to assist a woman with an ankle injury about 3 1/2 miles up the trail.
A week after helping her off the mountain, medical personnel assisted a man with a medical condition who had descended the trail but stopped about 1 mile from the trailhead. Once he received medical intervention, about 5:15 p.m., the man was able to walk the remaining portion of the trail, the agency reported.
At about 1:30 p.m. Sunday, a hiker was reportedly injured at the top of the Dog Mountain Trail, and emergency crews were sent to help.
Moments later, the crew was diverted to a crash just next to the Dog Mountain trailhead parking lot. Emergency personnel at the scene treated five occupants of three vehicles for minor injuries before they were released.
The crew then assisted the injured hiker, finding her about 3 1/2 miles up the steep trail. A helicopter transported the woman to Home Valley Park, where she was then taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.
Skamania County EMS and Rescue urged people to be cautious, especially when it comes to hiking.
While Dog Mountain Trail is popular for its spring flowers, the agency reminded hikers that the trail gains 2,800 in elevation, making it a difficult and even dangerous hike. Rescue operations take time and money, and require multiple volunteers.
