A growing number of rescues on one of WA's most popular mountain ascents, Bluff Knoll, is draining local emergency service resources, reports the ABC.
Bluff Knoll stands just over 1,000m and is the highest peak in the Stirling Range, 100km northeast of Albany in southern WA.
More than 50,000 people hike to its summit each year for stunning views that reach for more than 100km however not everyone is prepared for the walk and the weather.
State Emergency Service (SES) crews have been called to rescue stranded, lost or injured hikers five times this year, including three in recent weeks.
Albany SES captain Ben Whittle told the ABC, the group along with Gnowangerup SES, had responded to several rescue requests recently, some of which required a helicopter to winch people off the peak.
"We generally need anything from 15 to 30 members to do that, and from the top it can be anywhere from a five-hour to a 10-hour carry down," he said.
"You should always check the weather forecast for your travels and park visits", quotes the Parks WA website.
"Make sure you check both daily minimum and maximum temperatures and that you have adequate protection from the cold. The difference in temperature between day and night can be high, particularly away from the coast.
"It can be surprisingly cold, sometimes below freezing point, and not just at altitude or in the state's southernmost areas."