Hikers help free man trapped in waist-deep mud on Juan de Fuca Trail

A hiker on the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail became stuck in mud up to his hips on March 29, 2024, and couldn't get out for a couple of hours. Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue was preparing to respond when the man was pulled free by other passing hikers, said Victoria Clarke, team manager and co-ordinator for JDF Search and Rescue. Clarke said it was fortunate other hikers came along, as the man had been in the mud a while and was getting cold, tired and nervous; conditions on parts of the trail can be very muddy and it's not unusual for people to sink to their knees, but this was the first time she'd heard of someone sinking to the waist. Search and rescue team members themselves have sunk to their thighs while carrying stretchers on occasion but always manage to get out quickly. Because of the trail's popularity and proximity to Victoria, Clarke said many people don't understand the challenges the terrain presents, and advises anyone considering a hike to visit adventuresmart.ca for trail-specific safety videos.