Man rescued after Sonoma coast fall

A man hiking on the Sonoma County coast fell 30 to 40 feet down a cliff and had to be rescued by the sheriff’s helicopter, firefighters said Sunday.

The fall happened about 8 p.m. Saturday in a steep area just north of Russian Gulch, Monte Rio Fire Chief Steve Baxman said.

A man in his 50s hiking with a second man fell, injuring his shoulder, Baxman said.

The man was lifted to safety by the sheriff’s Henry 1 helicopter after the uninjured hiker called 911. He was taken to a local hospital by ambulance, Baxman said.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 707-568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.