Finding Life on the Edge of Death

In June 2021, Andrew Devers disappeared for nine days after setting out for a dayhike in Washington's Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

- EMMA VEIDT

I couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of the spot where I would probably die. The cuts on my knee were getting infected, and I didn’t have the energy to move, but I didn’t want to leave, anyway: Salmonberry bushes surrounded the plush, mossy rock where I lay, so I ate from a buffet of berries while resting on nature’s Tempurpedic. The area had a clear view of the sky where I could spot approaching helicopters, if anyone cared enough to search for me.

Three days before, on June 18, 2021, I went on a day hike along the Pratt River Trail in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. I had never hiked this trail, but I needed fresh views and exercise to clear my head. Navigation was difficult, and I passed some landslide debris without noticing a sign warning that the trail ahead was unmaintained. It was like when you’re driving on the highway, deep in thought, and accidentally pass your exit.

Ninety minutes later, the trail became overgrown and thorny; I was wearing only a T-shirt and shorts, so I decided to turn around. When I did, though, I found a completely different landscape from the one I recalled walking through. Nothing looked the same, and I couldn’t determine which direction to hike. I climbed to higher ground to search for the road I drove in on, but saw only endless forest. It was just me, alone, getting hungry and cold.

I’d watched enough survival videos to know that I should stay put for the night. Leaning against a tree, I tucked my arms and legs into my shirt and draped my long hair over my face as a makeshift mosquito net. I fell asleep angry for getting myself into such a terrible situation.