70-Year-Old Hiker Found Alive in Isle Royale National Park

A 70-year-old man, Craig Berg, went missing while hiking in Isle Royale National Park. He was located “alive and alert” after a week, officials confirmed.

Berg was rescued by the Coast Guard and Michigan State Police and was treated for hypothermia. The U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes agency stated that he had been missing since September 5. Rescue footage shows a Coast Guard helicopter lifting Berg from the ground and transporting him to a regional airport in Gwinn for medical evaluation.

The specifics of Berg’s disappearance and the nature of his injuries were not revealed by officials. Good Samaritan backpackers in the park initially spotted Berg. Michigan State Police, accompanied by K-9 units, then reached him.

The search and rescue operation mobilized multiple agencies. Resources included a 45-foot Coast Guard boat, drones, and seaplanes. Participating agencies included the National Park Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Lt. Ben Eckola, a Michigan State Police public information officer, acknowledged the efforts of fellow hikers and various support groups in the operation.

Berg arrived at the park on August 27 for an extended solo hike and was expected to return on September 5. Isle Royale National Park is remote, located on an island in Lake Superior near the Canadian border. It is among the least-visited national parks, offering limited infrastructure. Debbie Berg, Craig’s wife, mentioned that only two rangers are present on the island, with two camp stores and a lodge available.

The park’s website notes unreliable cell phone service and restrictions on equipment, specifically mentioning that bicycles, motorized vehicles, and drones are generally not allowed.