Low visibility and rainy conditions caused three hikers to lose their way on the West Glacier Trail on Friday evening, according to an Alaska State Trooper dispatch.
Juneau resident Derrik Bernasek, 21, and Chicago residents Dane Moscatelli, 21, and Christine Pope, 22, were able to use a cellphone to contact Alaska State Troopers when they couldn’t find their way back to the West Glacier parking lot. According to a Capital City Fire/Rescue press release, the trio was instructed to walk down to the beach where a CCFR boat was ready to pick them up and take them back to the trailhead around 7 p.m.
The group was wet and cold, but no injuries were reported.
CCFR Assistant Chief Ed Quinto said in a press release that hikers should be mindful of how quickly the weather can change and, in such cases, be prepared with the appropriate clothes, hiking boots, food and water. Quinto also suggested hikers tell someone where they are hiking before leaving and carry GPS gear with spare batteries.
