Despite the longstanding closure of Sacred Falls State Park, some visitors still venture into the off-limits area, often leading to costly and dangerous rescues. The park, shuttered after a rockfall in 1999 that claimed eight lives and injured dozens, remains a point of concern when uninformed or defiant explorers find themselves in danger.
On Sunday, another incident occurred when a California couple found themselves in distress, leading to a rescue operation from the closed park. According to a press release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), the man sustained serious injuries after falling off the trail. While the husband's hospitalization raised privacy concerns, his wife, a 67-year-old woman, was cited for entering the restricted area. The fine for this violation is $1,000, serving as a consequence for disregarding the area's dangers and legal restrictions.
Sacred Falls State Park continues to draw visitors with its hidden beauty, but, as this recent incident shows, the risks are present. DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla, reflecting on the event, acknowledged the man’s injuries but noted that the situation could have been prevented. "It’s unfortunate this man was hurt so badly, though the incident could have been avoided had the couple known about the dangers of Sacred Falls and the reason it was closed more than 25 years ago," Redulla told the DLNR. He also mentioned the risks to first responders, highlighting the challenges they face when retrieving individuals from such hazardous conditions.
