Climber rescued after 25-foot fall on Castle Rock near Leavenworth

LEAVENWORTH — A 43-year-old female climber was rescued after falling approximately 25 feet on the Saber Route of Castle Rock in the Tumwater Canyon on Friday morning.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office reported that the climbing accident occurred at approximately 7:28 a.m. on September 6. The initial report indicated that the climber had suffered a head injury from the fall.

Emergency responders, including Chelan County Sheriff's Office Deputies, Cascade Medical Center paramedics, and Chelan County Fire District 3 personnel, were first to arrive at the scene. Upon assessment, paramedics requested additional support from a rope rescue team due to the precarious location and the need for a litter rescue.

Wenatchee Valley Fire Rope Rescue responded with a team of nine rescuers. They established a rope system to mitigate fall risks during the rescue operation. The injured climber was carefully hand-carried to a more manageable trail before being transported by wheeled litter to the trailhead.

The patient was then taken to Confluence Health in Wenatchee by Cascade Medical. While her current condition remains unknown, authorities confirmed that she sustained a "significant head injury."

As the search and rescue season continues in Chelan County, local authorities are urging caution. The Sheriff's Office issued a statement reminding the public of potential hazards:

"Search and rescue season has not slowed yet in Chelan County. The Sheriff's Office would like to remind the public minor issues this time of year can become more complicated due to changing weather. Although it is warm during the day it can cool off dramatically at night. If you are enjoying the outdoors, make sure you bring gear to prepare or an unexpected overnight stay. Don't turn a minor issue into an emergency by not preparing for conditions."