Three hikers rescued after bridge knocked out

There was a creek to cross, but no crossing to be found.

Three hikers – each on solo treks along the Woodland Walk Trail – ended up meeting at a washout on Saturday afternoon, according to Coquitlam Search and Rescue manager Helena Michelis.

As the atmospheric river transformed Pritchett Creek into a fast-flowing river, two of the hikers inspected a bridge.

With water moving over the crossing, the hikers were considering not crossing.

“That’s when the land broke away,” Michelis said.

With a bridge gone, the backcountry trio realized they were stranded and called for help.

Using a network of new mountain bike trails and old access routes, rescuers bounced between newly impassable creeks before eventually dismounting from bikes and reaching the stranded hikers on foot.

The volunteer SAR crew lit a fire to warm up the hikers while a crew rigged up a highline rope network that could function as a crossing.

One at a time, the rescuers ferried the hikers across the creek.

Executing a highline rescue during a deluge underscored the importance of training and proper preparation, according to Michelis.

“It’s kind of one-in-a-million rescue but that’s what we train for,” she said.

After getting everyone off the mountain at around 9 p.m., two of the hikers had to leave their cars due to the washouts.

“Hiking in the rain is one thing,” Michelis said. “Hiking in an atmospheric river is not recommended.”