SKAMANIA, Wash. -- Skamania County Sheriff's deputies said the PSU student who died while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was an experienced hiker and was well prepared.
They say Katherine Huether had packed food and water and told friends of her plans. "Every indication was that the right things were done... sometimes even when the right things are done bad things can happen," said Sheriff Dave Brown.
With the spring hiking season getting underway, search and rescue experts were advising hikers to take extra precautions when hiking these trails. "The winter has been very mild so people are going to be able to get further out than they normally would be able to," explained John Carlson, as Wind River Search and Rescue volunteer.
He said like Huether did, hikers should let someone know where they are hiking and when they will be home. Navigation is also important such as a compass or GPS. Don't rely on a cell phone. Instead, Carlson advised hikers to take another form of communication like a small amateur radio. And be prepared to stay overnight. Bring some sort of head-lamp or flashlight. Pack food and water and extra clothes.
The bottom line, prepare for the unexpected, because it can happen to even the most experienced hikers.
