Why People Get Lost in the Woods

There is nothing mysterious about getting lost in the woods. Ask any hiker, and they’ll tell you about a time they took a wrong turn or made a bad decision. It’s incredibly easy to get lost, which is why it happens, even to experienced outdoorspeople.

Many things can contribute to a person getting lost. Sometimes, things just happen. You can be daydreaming and wander off down a side trail, for example. You can take a tumble and end up off-trail or even decide to bushwhack a shortcut. Even the most experienced hiker in the world can still make a wrong turn or a bad decision.

What is “Lost”?

Technically, you’re not lost if you’re still on a marked trail, even though you can certainly be on the wrong trail by accident, or run into trouble, or think you’re on a trail when you’re not. A lost person doesn’t know where they are or how to find their way out, but some people might not know they’re lost right away. Why do people leave the trail? There are plenty of reasons, most of them unintentional, but not all:

• Losing the path on an unclear or braided section
• Following a game trail
• Following a false side trail that peters out (may look well-trod at the start)
• Taking a shortcut (real or perceived)
• Off-trail activities (foraging, hunting, photography, exploring)
• Medical reasons (mental or physical)

If you’re not paying attention, it can be easy to wander off the trail, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area. Once that happens, you’re at greater risk of misadventure, especially in rough terrain, and if you’re unprepared.

Other Reasons For Misadventure

In addition to simply going off-trail, there are a number of factors that can contribute to poor outcomes if something goes wrong on your outing. We’ve all been out there and seen someone setting out on a 20-kilometre trail at 3 pm wearing street shoes, carrying no supplies, when sunset is just a few hours away.

In addition, tired people make bad decisions. This means even your experienced outdoorsperson can mess up after a long and tiring day. Sometimes it doesn’t take much, and there are a number of factors that can contribute to something going wrong:

• Lack of pre-trip planning
• Not bringing proper supplies
• Not leaving a Trip Plan
• Experience or ability doesn’t match the terrain
• Overdependence on technology for navigation
• Single-mindedness and not being adaptable
• Group dynamics
• Getting caught out after dark
• Changes in weather or climate
• Wildlife encounters (rare)

British Columbia-Specific Safety Tips

Because of our varied topography, British Columbia has a host of factors that can make outdoor recreation hazardous. This makes it extra important to be vigilant when it comes to safety in nature.

Leave a Trip Plan. Even if you’re out for an hour or two, always tell someone where you’re going. This can be as simple as a text to a loved one, but for longer hikes, leave a more detailed plan with someone who will contact emergency services if you’re overdue.

Bring Your Ten Essentials. Along with other terrain-specific gear, always bring a whistle, first aid kit, fire starter, map and compass or GPS, knife, flashlight, warm clothes, food and water, emergency blanket or tarp or garbage bag for shelter, cell phone or satellite communicator, and sunscreen/sunglasses (if applicable).

Pay Attention. Dense undergrowth can hide a trail, even one just a few metres away. Steep terrain, too, can hide hazards like gullies, cliffs, and drop-offs. If you step off the trail to have a look at a view or toileting, make sure you’re careful and can find your way back. Make sure you’re staying on the main trail and not accidentally going down a side trail.

Check the Weather. British Columbia’s weather is highly localized and changes quickly at higher elevations. Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly.

Winter at Higher Elevations. Between October and June, it’s still winter in the mountains, even if it’s a sunny, 20-degree spring day full of cherry blossoms down below. Be prepared for those conditions, and check avalanche conditions if venturing into snowy terrain.

No Cell Signal. Since a lot of our nature is accessible from major cities, this often gives people a false sense of security. Cell signals can be blocked by mountains, meaning you can be close to civilization and have no reception. Always try calling 911 first if you are lost. Emergency calls will connect to any tower if there’s service, regardless of your provider.

Check Sunset Time. In addition to making sure you’ve left enough time to complete your hike before dark and have brought along a flashlight, be aware that sunset can be a little bit sooner, depending on the terrain. Sunset is based on a flat horizon, but our sun sets when it goes behind a mountain.

Don’t Follow the River. This classic safety tip doesn’t work in our province. Rather than finding civilization, if you follow a creek downhill in BC, chances are you’ll wind up in a gully, at the top of a waterfall, or trapped in steep terrain.

You’re Lost. Now What?

If something has gone wrong and you find yourself lost, there are a few things you should do to increase your chances of being found. This is where your Ten Essentials come into play. Always bring them, even if you’re just going out for a quick afternoon hike.

One time, while leading a kayak trip, I was woken one very dark night by someone calling for help. One of my clients had gotten lost on her way back from the toilet. Rather than panic, she immediately stopped, stayed calm, called out for help, and stayed where she was until we found her. Luckily, she wasn’t far off-trail. In this case, she did everything exactly right.

Stop. Staying in one place will help rescuers locate you more easily. If you’ve left a trip plan, someone will know when you’re overdue and initiate a rescue.

Stay Calm. Lost people tend to panic, which can lead to flight and further disorientation. Don’t do anything until you’ve calmed down enough to think clearly.

Signal. Try calling 911, use your whistle, and call out to others.

Make Shelter. Using your emergency blanket, tarp, or garbage bag, make a shelter to stay dry and warm.

Build a Fire. Use the fire-making tools in your Ten Essentials and put on your extra layers to stay warm. Be Visible. Flashlights aren’t just for finding your way in the dark. They can also help rescuers spot you.

Missing in the British Columbia Wilderness

While not a comprehensive list due to the difficulty in accessing information pre-internet, the following individuals are still missing in BC’s wilderness. This information is based on publicly available reports and may change as cases are resolved. If you’re hiking in one of these areas and happen to find gear, clothing, or anything else that seems unusual or out of place, it’s worth reporting to the police. Any small clue can help bring closure to their loved ones.

Still Missing (More than Five Years)

• Ali Naderi, Aug 23, 2020, Eagle Mountain, Coquitlam
• Kristofer Couture, January 26, 2019, Elk Mountain, Chilliwack
• Timothy Delahaye, May 14, 2019, Frost Rd, Chilliwack enroute to Maple Falls, Washington, USA
• Valentina Kushnavera, October 3, 2019, Cultus Lake area, Chilliwack
• Travis Damon Thomas, August 7, 2019, Bartlett Island (IR 32), Clayoquot Sound
• Carl Couture, October 31, 2017, Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver
• Gordon Sagoo, August 14, 2016, Baby Munday Peak, Chilliwack
• James Roberts, February 4, 2016, Qualicum Bay
• Roy Lee and Chun Sek Lam, December 25, 2016, Cypress Provincial Park, West Vancouver
• Neville Jewell, September 12, 2015, Howe Sound Crest Trail between Cypress Mountain and Lions
• Sylvia Apps, July 8, 2014, Castle Crag Mtn, Strathcona Provincial Park
• Robin Penwarn, January 2, 2014, East Sooke Park, Sooke
• Brian Darcy Turner, June 4, 2011, Stein Valley Provincial Park, Lytton
• Jonathan Jette and Rachel Bagnell, September 4, 2010, near Valentine Lake/Saxifrage Peak, Pemberton
• Tyler Wright, August 10, 2010, backcountry between Squamish and Coquitlam
• Wesley Foulds, March 4, 2009, near Hayward Lake, Mission
• Richard Milner, July 29, 2003, Price Creek Trail near Cream Lake, Strathcona Provincial Park
• Brian Faughnan, July 12, 2002, Valley Trail/Rainbow Mountain, Whistler

Historic Cases (Pre-2000)

• Nicholas Vanderbilt and Francis Gledhill, August 22, 1984, Wishbone Arete, Mt. Robson
• Heney Hansen, September 22, 1975, Diamond Head area, Garibaldi Provincial Park
• Roger Olds, August 25, 1966, Sentinel Glacier area, Garibaldi Provincial Park
• Lesley and John Evans, June 6, 1966, Golden Ears Provincial Park
• Harvey Garrison, October 19, 1956, near Whipsaw Creek, Princeton
• John Ewing, October 8, 1955, near Whipsaw Creek, Princeton
• Arthur Olsen, October 17, 1933, near Princeton
• Mary Warburton, October 1931, between Squamish and Indian Arm
• Robert Allen “Volcanic” Brown, August-November 1931, Upper Pitt River/Stave Glacier area