SISTERS, Ore. -- Deschutes County Sheriff's Search and Rescue volunteers hiked more than six miles in challenging weather Wednesday to find and help a hiker in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area who was becoming hypothermic and sought help.

The operation began after Deschutes County 911 received a Garmin SOS activation near Golden Lake in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said Thursday.

The reporting party, a 56‑year‑old woman from Silverton, Oregon, said she was becoming hypothermic and needed help.

SAR volunteers were dispatched shortly before 1 p.m. and hiked about 6 1/2 miles in high winds, rain and snow, finding the hiker around 5:40 p.m., Carr said.

Volunteers provided the woman with dry clothing and warming blankets, then helped her walk back to the trailhead.

From there, she was able to drive into town, where she stayed overnight to rest and recover, he said. No injuries other than cold exposure were reported.

"The Sheriff's Office commends our SAR volunteers for their commitment and professionalism in bringing this woman to safety under deteriorating weather conditions and a long return hike," Carr said.

"SAR encourages all backcountry hikers to check weather forecasts, be prepared, tell someone their plans, and carry a reliable satellite communication device," he added.