He fell 25 feet over a waterfall onto rocks below. His screams alerted rescuers.
The incident took place in the unincorporated community of Forest Falls on Sunday, Aug. 3, the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District reported. San Bernadino is about 60 miles east of Los Angeles.
At 3:45 p.m., the agency posted on X, crews responded to Big Falls, a popular hiking destination in the county about 85 miles east of Los Angeles.
The agency reported the hiker had lost his footing and fallen 25 feet while attempting to cross "a slippery portion of the falls."
While the firefighters who initially responded could not see the hiker, they could hear 'cries for help,' the department said.
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California hiker who fell off waterfall airlifted out
Footage released by the department shows a rescue helicopter lifting the hiker off the rocks, towing him after he is secured by first responders in a Stokes basket.
The hiker was taken to a local trauma center to be treated for unspecified injuries, the agency wrote.
His condition was not immediately known on Tuesday.
Incidents often occur at popular location
No other injuries were reported in connection with the fall, officials said.
In its announcement, the fire agency urged visitors to stay on marked trails, avoid climbing on or around waterfalls, and keep a safe distance from slippery or steep areas.
"We respond to incidents at this popular location often, where people are seriously injured, so please make smart choices and stay safe," the agency wrote.
The fire agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
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