Toutle, WA - On Friday, April 20, Sheriff's deputies were notified that there were two overdue hikers in the Coldwater Lake area. Father and son, 46 year old Hunter Ervin and his 26 year old son Blake, had gone to the Coldwater area to hike up to the ridge to take photos. When they didn't return, the family called for assistance. Both are from Alaska.

A deputy responded to the area and found the Ervin's vehicle still parked in the parking lot. It was reported that the hikers were in good physical condition but that they were wearing light hiking clothes and the weather had been very nice when they left, but it was now dark and the cold, wind and raid were worsening.

At the request for assistance, 13 volunteer searchers from Cowlitz County Search and Rescue responded and were searching the trail when they observed a light on the south side of the lake. One of the searchers launched their boat and they made contact with the lost hikers shortly after 5 a.m.

The Ervins said that they had lost the trail coming back and it got dark while they were trying to find it. They  then worked their way down to the waters edge and were trying to work their way through the heavy brush when they were spotted.

Cowlitz County Sheriff Mark Nelson said that the Ervins were somewhat better prepared than initially reported, "They had heavier clothing, head lamps and space blankets. Because it was snow and sleet around them, those few things may have saved their lives.  Chalk this one up to preparation and our dedicated SAR volunteers."

"We encourage people to be prepared at all times, especially this time of year when the weather can change quickly." said Sheriff Nelson