It was a rescue that gripped outdoor enthusiasts and local communities alike: a 46-year-old Long Beach man, Ryan Wardwell, was dramatically saved after spending two harrowing days trapped behind a waterfall in California’s Sequoia National Forest. The ordeal, which unfolded between August 10 and August 12, 2025, has been described by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office as a “stunning survival story” — and for good reason.
Wardwell, an experienced hiker and climber, had set out last Sunday with plans to rappel the waterfalls at the Seven Teacups, a rugged stretch of cascades formed by Dry Meadow Creek as it tumbles toward the North Fork of the Kern River. While his friends decided to turn back, Wardwell pressed on alone, aiming to complete a technical descent that has lured adventurers for decades. According to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Wardwell was last seen at the top of the falls on Sunday evening, August 10, but never returned to his car that night.
What happened next was a nightmare scenario for any climber. As reported by Advnture, Wardwell was rappelling down the Kern River cliffside when “extreme hydraulics” — the powerful, swirling currents at the base of the falls — forced him off his rope and swept him into an open space behind one of the Seven Teacups’ waterfalls. Trapped by the relentless force of the water, he found himself wedged behind a curtain of rushing water, isolated from the outside world and unable to escape.
When Wardwell failed to return, concern quickly mounted. The following day, August 11, officials noticed that his car had not moved from a nearby parking lot, prompting a full-scale search and rescue operation. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Division responded swiftly, launching an extensive search that would span two days and employ every tool at their disposal. Aircraft equipped with cameras and infrared technology scoured the rugged terrain from above, while ground teams navigated steep, slippery rocks and dense forest in hopes of finding any sign of the missing hiker.
As the hours ticked by, the situation grew increasingly dire. “There was no way for him to warm up or dry out in there, so it had to have been miserable,” Captain Kevin Kemmerling of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office told the San Francisco Chronicle. “He tried for days to escape, but there was nothing he could do to break through.” The only company Wardwell had during those endless hours were the cold, damp rocks and the thunderous roar of the falls.
It wasn’t until early Tuesday morning, August 12, that hope finally arrived. A drone operated by the Sheriff’s Office search team buzzed behind one of the waterfalls, its camera peering through the mist and spray. There, alive and responsive but visibly weak, was Wardwell. The moment was captured on dramatic video and quickly shared by authorities, offering a rare glimpse into the perilous conditions behind the cascade.
The rescue itself was as daring as it was delicate. California Highway Patrol flight officer paramedic Mike Crain was among those tasked with hoisting Wardwell to safety. “I had to be careful not to drag him through the waterfall, risk getting him wet, and then a slip hazard,” Crain told reporters, emphasizing the razor-thin margin for error in such a treacherous environment. Video released by the Sheriff’s Office shows a helicopter hovering above the falls, its blades whipping up spray as a rescuer is lowered down to reach Wardwell. Together, they were lifted back up to safety.
Once out of immediate danger, Wardwell was treated on site for minor injuries and dehydration before being reunited with his relieved family. Despite the ordeal, his injuries were thankfully limited, a testament to both his resilience and the skill of the rescue teams. “Respect the mountains, it’s beautiful, but it’s dangerous, and you could die up there very easily,” Crain cautioned in the aftermath, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the outdoor community.
The rescue has reignited conversations about the risks of solo climbing and canyoneering, especially in remote or technically challenging areas like the Seven Teacups. Captain Kemmerling was blunt in his assessment: “Nobody should be doing stuff like that solo, period,” he told Advnture, underscoring the dangers faced by solo adventurers who may be unable to summon help in an emergency. Guide sites routinely warn visitors about the difficulty of the terrain and strongly advise against attempting the route without proper gear, experience, and companions.
The Seven Teacups themselves are a well-known but formidable destination for outdoor recreation, drawing thrill-seekers from across California and beyond. The series of distinctive pools and waterfalls offer breathtaking scenery — but also significant hazards, especially during periods of high water or unpredictable river conditions. The incident involving Wardwell serves as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature, even for those with years of experience.
Rescue teams in Tulare County are no strangers to challenging operations, but this particular mission drew praise for its coordination and use of technology. The deployment of drones and infrared-equipped aircraft proved pivotal in locating Wardwell, whose position behind the waterfall would have been nearly impossible to spot from the ground or even by helicopter alone. The combination of new tools and old-fashioned perseverance ultimately made the difference between life and death.
For Wardwell, the ordeal is now behind him, but the lessons linger. As he recovers from his injuries, his story is already being shared as a cautionary tale for others who venture into the wild. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office summed up the episode best, calling it a “stunning survival story.” It’s a phrase that captures both the peril Wardwell faced and the extraordinary efforts of those who brought him home.
In the end, the mountains demand respect, and nature rarely offers second chances. For one climber and his rescuers, this was a week when preparation, technology, and sheer determination combined to snatch triumph from the jaws of tragedy.
