Hikers hit by falling rocks

Two hikers in Glacier National Park were injured by falling rocks Wednesday on the Highline Trail.

Both hikers — a 13-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man — were transported to Flathead Valley hospitals for medical attention.

The extent of the hikers’ injuries is not known, according to a press release from Glacier Park. 

A park employee heard yelling on the Highline Trail about 2.5 miles east of the Granite Park Chalet and notified the park’s dispatch center at 1:45 p.m.

Park staffers responded from the chalet and the Swiftcurrent fire lookout and gave the injured hikers first aid.

Additional staffers staged to respond with Minuteman Aviation of West Glacier and park officials requested the ALERT helicopter from Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

A thunderstorm initially delayed ALERT and Minuteman Aviation from flying into the area. 

Rangers on the ground worked together with both helicopter crews to transport the hikers off the mountain.

Around 4:30 p.m., the 19-year-old hiker was flown out of the park by Minuteman Aviation. He was transferred to Three Rivers EMS and taken to North Valley Hospital in Whitefish for medical treatment.

ALERT flew the 13 year-old hiker to Kalispell Regional.

An initial investigation indicates the rocks fell from a cliff about 100 feet above the trail. The exact cause is not known, but there appears to be no immediate hazard and the trail remains open.

The Highline is a popular trail that traverses the Garden Wall between Logan Pass and Granite Park Chalet.

No other information is currently available.

Hikers are reminded to be aware of possible hazards on park trails.