WEST GLACIER, MONT –On Tuesday, August 30, two hikers slipped and fell while descending the east face of Mount Jackson. One survived the fall by self-arresting on a snowfield sustaining minor injuries. Unable to locate his fallen companion, he hiked back to Gunsight Campground where the incident was reported to park dispatch at 11:08 p.m. He was later transported via helicopter to West Glacier, and then transported via Three Rivers Ambulance to North Valley Hospital.
Park rangers worked with Two Bear Air and Minutemen Aviation to locate the body of the fallen individual on August 31. A technical rescue team worked with Minutemen Aviation to recover the individual on September 1. The incident is currently under investigation.
Our condolences go out to the friends and family during this time of grief.
Jackson Peak is one of the tallest peaks in Glacier National Park at 10,052 feet. The climbing route varies from a Class 3 to Class 4 depending on the route and the amount of snow and ice. The climbing routes are considered arduous with an approximate elevation gain of 4,800 vertical feet, high amounts of loose scree, a significant amount of exposure on narrow ledges with steep drop offs.
Falls are one of the leading causes of death in the park.
