A dramatic Coast Guard cliff rescue on Oregon’s rugged coastline has captured national attention after two teens became trapped near God’s Thumb in Lincoln City. The successful operation, conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard using an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, demonstrated the vital role of aerial emergency services in saving lives from hazardous, inaccessible locations.
Emergency at God’s Thumb
The incident unfolded on July 7, 2025, when two 19-year-olds found themselves stuck along the steep cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean near the God’s Thumb Trail. The teens had hiked to the bluff’s edge but couldn’t retreat due to sheer drop-offs and unstable footing.
Lincoln City Fire Department responders arrived first and determined a ground-based rope rescue would be too dangerous given the slope’s instability. This prompted them to call in U.S. Coast Guard air support.
Helicopter Launch and Execution
MH-60 Jayhawk Rescue Helicopter on the tarmac at Coast Guard Air Station Astoria | Photo: PA2 Sarah Foster-Snell – USCG
U.S. Coast Guard Sector North Bend deployed an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Facility Newport. The crew included a rescue swimmer, pilot, co-pilot and flight mechanic. After reaching the scene, the aircraft hovered above the stranded teens while coordinating with ground crews to plan the safest extraction approach.
The crew lowered a rescue swimmer who assessed the hikers’ condition. Finding them shaken but unharmed, the swimmer helped each into a rescue harness before they were lifted into the helicopter.
The entire operation concluded in under an hour without complications. The teens were flown to a nearby parking area where medical personnel checked them before reuniting them with family.
God’s Thumb: Beautiful but Treacherous
God’s Thumb trail offers stunning Pacific Ocean views but presents significant risks. The final section features narrow ridgelines and exposed bluffs with minimal margin for error. Local officials repeatedly warn hikers to stay on marked paths and avoid cliff edges, particularly during inclement weather.
“While the trail is relatively short, the final segment demands respect,” a Lincoln City Fire Department spokesperson noted.
“We’re thankful the Coast Guard responded so effectively before conditions worsened.”
The Role of MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopters
US Coast Guard rescued two teens from God’s Thumb near Lincoln City, July 5, 2025 | Photo uscg.mil
This rescue highlighted the capabilities of the MH-60 Jayhawk, the Coast Guard’s primary medium-range recovery helicopter. Designed for all-weather operations, the Jayhawk reaches speeds up to 140 knots and features advanced navigation systems, infrared sensors and a 600-pound capacity hoist ideal for coastal rescues.
These helicopters operate from key West Coast bases including Sector North Bend and Air Station Astoria. Their rapid deployment and precision hovering abilities make them invaluable for Oregon’s diverse and challenging landscapes.
Lessons in Wilderness Safety
The incident has renewed conversations about hiking safety, especially for inexperienced adventurers. Officials stress that even seemingly easy trails can become dangerous when hikers underestimate conditions or leave marked paths. Oregon search and rescue teams handle hundreds of calls yearly, many involving preventable mistakes.
The U.S. Coast Guard reminds outdoor enthusiasts to check weather forecasts, avoid risky behavior near cliffs, and seek help early when uncertain. Their motto “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready) reflects their dedication to reaching those in need when others cannot.
Coast Guard’s Expanding Role
US Coast Guard & North Lincoln Fire & Rescue crews rescued two juveniles of the rock face near Gods Thumb | Photo: USCG
This Coast Guard cliff rescue illustrates the increasing demand on helicopter crews for inland emergencies alongside traditional maritime missions. As more adventurers explore remote areas, rescue teams must adapt to new environmental and logistical challenges.
In 2024, the Coast Guard executed over 15,000 search and rescue missions nationwide, saving more than 4,000 lives. Their aircrews train extensively for night operations, cliff rescues, water recoveries and precision hoist extractions where mistakes aren’t an option.
Conclusion: A Coordinated Success
Thanks to expert teamwork between Lincoln City Fire, the U.S. Coast Guard and local responders, this operation concluded successfully. The teens emerged unharmed, serving as a reminder about wilderness risks and rescue capabilities.
For the Coast Guard, this mission reaffirmed their critical homeland rescue role. For the teens’ families, it represented an unforgettable moment of relief and appreciation.