Search and rescue underway for two lost teenage hikers near Bridal Falls

Updated 5:30 p.m.  – At approximately 5:30 p.m., after a nearly three hour search, the two missing teenage hikers were located by search and rescue crews at Bridal Falls. According to officials, the two teenage boys are in good condition and are being evacuated via watercraft on Gunflint Lake. 

A search and rescue effort for two lost teenage boys is underway near Bridal Falls, a popular waterfall hike close to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

At approximately 3 p.m. on Friday, June 21, first responders and Cook County Search and Rescue were dispatched to a call concerning two teenage boys who hadn’t returned from a day hike to Bridal Falls.

According to officials, the two presumed lost hikers, ages 14 and 15, were expected to return to Loon Lake Lodge by approximately 2 p.m. after hiking the nearly eight-mile round-trip via the Border Route Trail to Bridal Falls. The popular falls is located south of Gunflint Lake and a portion of the hike is within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

By 3 p.m., the two young hikers hadn’t returned, and a parent of the two boys called law enforcement. Search and rescue crews arrived on the scene shortly after and began search efforts. Once arriving on scene, search and rescue crews began hiking the Border Route Trail, Crab Lake Spur Trail, and other possible spur trails in an attempt to locate the missing hikers. Officials suspected the two hikers took a wrong turn and continued hiking.

The two boys are reported wearing a red rain jacket and a yellow shirt. It is unknown at this time if they boys are wearing backpacks or have sufficient water or additional supplies.

Shortly after 4 p.m., a private pilot with a float plane joined the search and rescue efforts and began aerial surveys along the Border Route Trail. At approximately, 4:40 p.m. the U.S. Forest Service approved a request from the search and rescue team to expand aerial surveys in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

The search and rescue efforts comes after a significant weather event that impacted northeastern Minnesota and areas of the BWCAW. Officials reported numerous downed trees along the Border Route Trail.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Kalli Hawkins June 21, 2024