Injured hiker airlifted off Columbia Mountain

An injured hiker from Pennsylvania was recovered by Two Bear Air Sunday afternoon after wandering off the trails of Columbia Mountain and reportedly falling off a cliff.

According to helicopter pilot James Heckman, the man sustained injuries to his ankles or lower legs and was hypothermic when rescuers found him and hoisted him into the helicopter.

New to the area, Heckman said the man was unfamiliar with the area and was hiking alone when he got lost.

The man was able to call for help from his cellphone and direct helicopters to his position. The man told authorities he lost a boot in the fall and was stuck in the snow in a standing position while waiting for rescue.

Two Bear Air found the man at about 3:45 p.m. and transferred him to ALERT Air Ambulance, which took him to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The hiker has not been identified and his medical status is currently unknown.