Olympic National Park: Kayaker rescued from upper Elwha River

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — A kayaker was rescued Saturday from a steep canyon on the Elwha River after his friends called 9-1-1 from a cellular phone, park officials said.

A Coast Guard helicopter flew Robert Feller Jr., 26, of Port Angeles, from Rica Canyon about 3 p.m. and flew him to Olympic Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for a hip injury, park spokeswoman Barb Maynes said.

He was listed in stable condition Saturday night, said Pattijo Hoskins, nursing supervisor.

Feller and three friends were kayaking along a “very, very advanced whitewater” stretch of the river at about 11 a.m. when Feller’s kayak got turned around and went backward over a drop, Maynes said.

“Apparently, he became lodged against a rock wall underwater,” Maynes said.

This full report is part of today’s Peninsula Daily News. Click on “Subscribe” to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.

More in News

A demonstrator carrying an American flag walks the sidewalk in front of the Clallam County Courthouse on Saturday. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Demonstrators march at courthouse

A demonstrator carrying an American flag walks the sidewalk in front of… Continue reading

Port Angeles High School twin graduates Kaylie Mast, left, and Kendall Mast, communicate with their friends by text while waiting for the start of the 2025 graduation parade on Friday. The parade began at Ediz Hook and culminated with a formal ceremony Friday evening at Port Angeles Civic Field. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Graduation parade

Port Angeles High School twin graduates Kaylie Mast, left, and Kendall Mast,… Continue reading

Suzy Ames.
College pivoting to meet deficit

School cuts more than $2 million in expenses

Pleasant Harbor Resort still seeking approval

Disagreements lead to delays and layoffs

Retiring Port Angeles School District Superintendent Marty Brewer, right, shares a career experience as his replacement, Michelle Olsen, listens during a retirement gathering on Thursday at Lincoln Center in Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Olsen sworn in as PASD superintendent

Stevens Middle School name change proposed with four options

Two hospitalized following head-on collision

Two people were transported to Olympic Medical Center following… Continue reading

Royal Canadian Navy to conduct exercises

The Royal Canadian Navy’s Maritime Forces Pacific will conduct… Continue reading

Power outage scheduled in Freshwater Bay area

Clallam County Public Utility District No. 1 has scheduled power… Continue reading

Slope repair work slated for Highway 19 on Tuesday

Maintenance crews from the state Department of Transportation will… Continue reading

Mike O’Brien of Port Angeles watches as his dog, Nara, left, catches a flying disc and his other dog, Copper, waits for his turn to fetch a ball on Thursday at Erickson Playfield in Port Angeles. O’Brien said catch and fetch are favorite activities for his canine companions. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Got it!

Mike O’Brien of Port Angeles watches as his dog, Nara, left, catches… Continue reading

40-week business program under way

Advisor training part of Recompete program