Injured Hiker Rescued After Fall in Sinister Peak Area

On July 14, 2025, at around 1:38 PM, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to a Garmin inReach activation signaling a hiker in distress near Chickamin Glacier. The injured climber, 31-year-old Ryan Polkinghorn, suffered a broken ankle along with head, neck, and shoulder injuries sustained during a fall while climbing Sinister Peak. CCSO confirmed that Polkinghorn was alone, prompting his companions to attempt a rescue. They successfully located him after navigating challenging terrain, but he displayed early-stage hypothermia symptoms. A hoist-capable helicopter from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was requested and promptly deployed.

Medical personnel provided immediate care on-site before airlifting Polkinghorn to safety. He was then transported to Harborview Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment. The swift response from the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island team was acknowledged by the CCSO as crucial in the successful rescue.