BEND, Ore. -- A California family of three became stranded hiking near the summit of South Sister and called for help Friday evening, triggering a successful all-night rescue operation involving nearly three-dozen volunteers and deputies.

Deschutes County 911 got a call around 6 p.m. Friday seeking help for three stranded hikers on the South Sister, just below Prouty Glacier, said Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Coordinator Sgt. Scott Shelton.

Sharla Erich, 45, and sons Robert, 22, and Stephen, 20, all of Willits, Calif., had started up the Green Lakes trail around 10 a.m. and hiked up the 10,358-foot peak, Shelton said.

The three became stranded in an area known as Hodge Crest, in an area between Prouty and Lewis glaciers.

“The hikers advised that they did not have enough equipment, clothing, food or water for the conditions and were unable to cross the ice field leading to the climbers’ trail,” Shelton said in a news release, adding that they reported being in good condition, but needing help.

Initially, two-dozen deputies, SAR and U.S. Forest Service personnel responded to the Devils Lake Trailhead, Shelton said.

Search and Rescue members, 17 in all, ascended several trails to reach the stranded hikers, who first finally located around 1 a.m., Shelton said.

But due to conditions on the mountain (ice on the trails) and the overall condition of the hikers and rescue crews, Shelton said they decided it was safer to remain on the mountain for several hours, for a rest period until daybreak.

The SAR teams and hikers stayed the night in various spots on the peak, with the hikers provided clothing, food and shelter.

SAR teams returned with the hikers to the trailhead around 9:30 a.m. Saturday, in good condition, Shelton said. The hikers were reunited with family members at the trailhead.

“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office encourages people to be prepared when traveling into wilderness areas,” Shelton wrote.

“Always let someone know what your proposed route will be, be cognizant of how much daylight you have, and plan your trips accordingly,” he said. “Always carry a light source, in case you do run into darkness, (as well as) a map, a compass, GPS, adequate food and water, and other essentials to ensure your safety.”