Washington hiker survives nearly 400-foot fall down canyon

Man fell nearly 400 feet down canyon
Officials say he was hiking near a washout that is not part of the trail
The man suffered 'minimal injuries'

Updated: May 28, 2024 / 05:17 PM CDT

Photo courtesy of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office

(NewsNation) — A 19-year-old man survived a 400-foot fall down the side of a Washington canyon and sustained only minimal injuries, according to local police.

The Mason County Sheriff’s Office announced the rescue on its Facebook page over the weekend.

The man had been hiking near the canyon at High Steel Bridge when he tried to walk down a steep washout, local fire officials told the BBC.

Hikers frequent the washout, which isn’t part of the trail but might have appeared to be, the BBC reported.

Signs near the High Steel Bridge, which spans about 685 feet, warn that the surrounding area is “slippery, steep and unsafe for exploring.”

“Luckily the 19 year old made it out alive,” the West Mason Fire Department wrote on Facebook. “A lot of our rescues aren’t so lucky. Remember, do NOT hike down next to the bridge.”