After a devastating storm in Washington’s Olympic National Park, several hikers found themselves stranded.
On the night of Saturday, November 7, into Sunday, November 8, the storm toppled several trees, blocking roads. No one could enter or exit sections of the park. The hikers took shelter in their vehicles and waited for help to arrive.
Hikers Sought Shelter Amid a Devastating Storm
Kathleen Hart was among the stranded hikers visiting the park. She and her friend ventured to Olympic National Park for a weekend of relaxation and camping. When the storms hit, the pair sought safety in their car. But as the strong winds toppled the vegetation, Hart admitted they felt terrified.
They tried to leave around 5 p.m. on Saturday, but a fallen tree blocked the road, leaving them with few options.
“We were just trying to find a place to not get hit by a tree that was falling, and with the thunder and lightning, it made it even more scary,” she told KOMO News, admitting she didn’t know they’d have to stay the night. “We were worried that we would’ve gotten hit in the middle of the night.”
Thankfully, Hart and her friend found a safe place to park alongside six other vehicles. The group was stranded for more than 20 hours.
“Most of the people that we’ve chatted with were day hikers, so people who even went for maybe an hour or two and then ended up in this predicament,” Hart told the outlet.
Despite the harrowing situation, the hikers did everything in their power to stay positive and encourage one another. Kathleen Hart said there were about 12 of them altogether. They shared resources, including food and water, with each other.
“Everyone has been such good sports and looking out for each other,” she told KOMO News. “I’m really grateful.”
Amid the frightening situation, Kathleen Hart and her mother both confirmed they called 911 for help. Local police advised them to contact park rangers. The first park ranger arrived around noon on Sunday.
Park Rangers Eventually Freed the Stranded Hikers
Despite the terrifying ordeal, Kathleen Hart and her friend managed to hold onto hope through the other hikers’ kindness. By Sunday afternoon, park rangers arrived on the scene and began clearing trees and debris.
KOMO News reports Hart and the other stranded hikers were leaving by 2 p.m. Olympic State Park officials issued a statement on the storm.
“Strong winds and heavy precipitation swept across the Olympic Peninsula on Saturday, Nov. 7, causing power outages and road closures in several areas of Olympic National Park, including the Hoh Rain Forest, Sol Duc, Lake Crescent and Kalaloch,” the statement read.
“Along Upper Hoh Road, four fallen trees completely blocked the road, while several others partially blocked access. Five vehicles were between the downed trees. Park crews worked through power outages and fallen trees to restore access, reopening one lane of Upper Hoh Road by 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. All affected roads and areas have since reopened,” officials concluded.
Stranded Hikers Saved After Terrifying Storm in Olympic National Park