Hiker suffers injuries on mountain trail near Pine Cove, requiring rescue

PINE COVE, Calif. (KESQ) - A hiker was injured today while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail east of Pine Cove, requiring public safety agencies to mount a rescue operation.

The "hiker down" call was received just after 1 p.m. on the mountain trail, which courses through the San Bernardino National Forest, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said the trekker fell, likely suffering injuries to the lower extremities and leaving the victim unable to continue.   

The person's identity was not disclosed.      

The agency said the trekker fell, likely suffering injuries to the lower extremities and leaving the victim unable to continue.   

The person's name was not released.   

Firefighters staged in Mount San Jacinto State Park and requested assistance from a sheriff's Rescue-9 helicopter crew, who found and safely hoisted the victim to a makeshift landing zone at Lake Hemet shortly before 3 p.m.

The hiker was then taken by ambulance to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs for treatment of minor to moderate injuries.