CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK, Ore. — Two Seattle-area hikers got stranded and had to be rescued this morning.
Now they're looking at federal charges.
Authorities in Oregon say the pair illegally entered a prohibited area in Crater Lake National Park.
The men live in Tacoma and Burien.
One is in the hospital will serious injuries.
The other told KIRO 7 News he was issued two citations, including one for trespassing.
But he insists they didn't see any signs telling them to stay out.
"My friend decided to take pictures in a more risky place because there was a better view from there," said Abraham Gonzales in a phone interview with KIRO 7 News.
Gonzales and Raul Mendez's first hiking trip to Crater Lake in Oregon went from capturing spectacular views to a rescuer being lowered to the men after Mendez fell hundreds of feet suffering major injuries.
Gonzales is in Bend, Oregon with his friend who's still in the hospital.
Gonzales said they scaled some 1,200 feet.
"He slipped and I tried to grab him but because he's heavier than me, he fell and we decided to make our way down," he said.
By the time rescuers found them Sunday night authorities said it was too dark and the terrain was too dangerous.
The pair was stranded overnight in a caldera.
Gonzales says he tried to keep his friend warm and his wounds clean.
“Three wounds on his head, a bad wound to one eye, a broken ankle, a lot of injuries to his body and knee,” he said.
We told him authorities with the park service say hiking in the caldera is strictly banned year-round.
“If authorities want that they should put signs up…we saw several people where we were," said Gonzales.
There is one sign provided posted in the area that warns hikers of injury or death and to stay back from cliff edges.
Gonzales says he’s due in court in July.
Associated Press
