Two Island trails make top 10 list requiring most SAR responses

Two Island trails make top 10 list requiring most SAR responses
Michal Klajban/Wikipedia
The Juan de Fuca marine trail had the third most search and rescue calls in 2022, according to the BC Search and Rescue Association.

On the Island, the Juan de Fuca marine trail came in at the third spot, and Cape Scott trail comes in at 10.

While there are general tips BCSARA has for preparing to safely go on a hike, the organization has made specific videos for six of the trails on the top 10 list, including the Juan de Fuca marine trail, on safety tips specific to those trails.

The top 10 trails requiring the most search and rescue responses had a combined total of 98 rescues in 2022, out of 504 total calls for the year. This means these 10 trails were the source of one out of every five calls.

  1. Rubble Creek trail (heading to Black Tusk trail): 16 SAR incidents
  2. Howe Sound Crest trail: 13 SAR incidents
  3. Juan de Fuca marine trail: 13 SAR incidents
  4. Stawamus Chief trail: 11 SAR incidents
  5. Sea to Summit trail: 10 SAR incidents
  6. Grouse Grind trail: 9 SAR incidents
  7. Wedgemount Lake trail: 8 SAR incidents
  8. Mount Seymour trail: 7 SAR incidents
  9. Rainbow Mountain trail: 6 SAR incidents
  10. Cape Scott trail: 5 SAR incidents

READ MORE: Planning a hike? New videos prepare hikers for most dangerous routes in B.C.

While there are a variety of reasons people may need to call for a search and rescue response, BCSARA says there are three that are cited the most.

A graph with the title Top three hiker emergencies requiring search and rescue. The top reason with 107 times was lost with no map and/or no navigation device. Second with 94 was poor footwear and/or footing leading to a slip or fall. Third is unaware of trail difficulty and/or exceeded ability with 70.

When heading on a hike, BCSARA recommends taking precautions to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors, including wearing appropriate footwear to prevent slips and falls, bring and know how to use a navigation tool that doesn’t rely on internet access, research the level of difficulty and conditions of the trail, and use sound judgement and turn around if needed.

Laura BroughamLaura Brougham

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!