Missing 70-year-old hiker rescued after disappearing for a week in remote national park
70‑Year‑Old Hiker Found Alive After Week‑Long Search in Isle Royale National Park
Royal Oak, Mich. – A 70‑year‑old man who disappeared while trekking alone in Isle Royale National Park was rescued alive and alert on Saturday, after a six‑day search involving a coalition of federal, state and local agencies. The victim, Craig Berg of Royal Oak, Michigan, was suffering from hypothermia and was transported to a regional medical facility for evaluation.
The disappearance was reported on September 5, when Berg, who had arrived at the remote park on August 27 for an extended solo hike, failed to return home. He had not been seen by park rangers or other visitors for a full week, prompting an extensive search that drew in the National Park Service, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, as well as Coast Guard and state police units.
A Multi‑Agency Search
According to Lt. Ben Eckola, a public‑information officer with Michigan State Police, the search involved a 45‑foot Coast Guard boat, drones and seaplanes, and the “No One Left Behind K9 Search and Rescue” team. “We’re also thankful to the fellow hikers who helped, Isle Royale Seaplanes, and No One Left Behind K9 Search and Rescue. Everyone’s efforts played an important part in finding Craig,” Eckola said.
The rescue effort was led by the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes, which released a video of a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City lifting Berg from the ground. The helicopter then transported him to Gwinn Regional Airport, where he was evaluated by medical staff. The Coast Guard announced, “The Coast Guard and Michigan State Police rescued an injured, ailing man Saturday after he went missing in Isle Royale National Park on Sept. 5,” the agency said.
The exact circumstances of Berg’s fall or injury were not disclosed by officials. “We are not providing details about his injuries or what happened while he was missing,” a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson said in a statement. Berg is reportedly alive and alert, though his health status remains under observation.
A Remote Park with Limited Resources
Isle Royale is an isolated island in Lake Superior near the Canadian border. The National Park Service notes that it is one of the least‑visited national parks in the United States. Only two rangers are stationed on the island, and the park features just two camp stores and a lodge. Cell phone service is unreliable, and many types of equipment—including bicycles, motorized vehicles and drones—are prohibited. The limited infrastructure and harsh weather conditions can make hiking on the island challenging for even experienced backpackers.
Berg’s wife, Debbie, told the Detroit Free Press that the remote nature of the park and the small number of rangers made it difficult to locate him quickly. “There are only two rangers on the island, and the park has two camp stores and a lodge,” she said. “It’s a very remote place.”
Good Samaritans and Hikers Play Key Role
The victim was spotted by “good Samaritan” backpackers on Saturday before state‑police foot patrols and K‑9 units reached him. The hikers alerted authorities, allowing the search teams to focus their efforts more effectively. No further details about the hikers or the circumstances of the encounter have been released.
Current Status
After being flown to Gwinn Regional Airport, Berg was taken to a regional medical facility for emergency evaluation. The U.S. Coast Guard and Michigan State Police are monitoring his condition, and the National Park Service has not released a formal statement beyond confirming his survival.
Berg’s case highlights the dangers of solo hiking in remote wilderness areas. While the coordinated rescue effort ultimately succeeded, officials emphasize the importance of proper preparation, communication, and adherence to park regulations when traveling in isolated environments such as Isle Royale.