A late-day rescue on Mount Larrabee ended with a 33-year-old Seattle area hiker being hoisted into a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter after she tumbled roughly 120 feet down a steep gully on the mountain's south face Saturday. Unable to descend on her own, the injured woman was lifted out of a narrow, rocky chute and flown north to Bellingham for emergency care, while friends on the mountain helped flag down rescuers and guide the aircraft to the scene.
According to a press release from the U.S. Coast Guard, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles spent about 40 minutes searching the gully before spotting reflections from members of the hiker's party and executing a precision hoist. The release states the hiker suffered serious injuries after falling approximately 120 feet and notes that crews had less than 10 minutes of fuel remaining while on scene. "This successful outcome is a direct result of the outstanding teamwork and rapid coordination between our agencies," Lt. Cmdr. Marshall Burtt said in the statement.
Video shows frantic moments
A short video included in coverage captures a member of the hiking party yelling, "Come save my friend!" as the helicopter closes in, along with a flash of green fabric used to signal the crew. As reported by CBS News, the hoist took place at about 8:40 p.m. PT, and the woman was flown to Bellingham Airport, where emergency medical crews were waiting. The footage underscores how quickly the group's signals and training helped guide rescuers to a precise pickup point in unforgiving terrain.
Rugged terrain and steep gullies
Mount Larrabee rises to about 7,861 feet in the northern Cascades, and trip reports have long warned that its gullies and loose rock can turn what look like short scrambles into very real drops. Hikers posting on the Washington Trails Association site describe steep, rubble-filled gullies where footing is unreliable and helmets are often recommended. That mix of exposure and unstable rock helps explain why a single slip on this mountain can lead to long, technically challenging rescues.
What hikers should know
In terrain like this, tactical preparedness is not just a buzzword. Seasoned hikers and search-and-rescue volunteers consistently stress carrying the Ten Essentials, planning routes in advance, and bringing a way to call for help when there is no cell signal. Organizations such as REI note that a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger can be lifesaving in remote areas and that knowing when to turn back reduces the chance of being caught out after dark. Groups heading into steep, loose terrain are also urged to bring helmets, leave a detailed trip plan with someone at home, and be prepared to signal aircraft if a rescue becomes necessary.
The Coast Guard press release thanked Whatcom County Search and Rescue and Bellingham Fire for their roles in the operation and praised the injured woman's hiking group for providing signals and first aid on scene. Officials say the hiker was taken to Bellingham for additional treatment but have not released further details about her condition. Authorities say the incident highlights how rapid coordination between local teams and federal crews, combined with solid preparedness among hiking partners, can make the difference between tragedy and survival.
