Only minor injuries reported after car plunges 400 feet off Jewel Basin Road

Bigfork Fire Department rescued two out-of-state visitors after their vehicle went over a cliff on Jewel Basin Road last week.  

The vehicle plunged 400 feet and rolled several times before coming to a stop at the bottom of an embankment on June 26, according to the Fire Department. Crews responding to the scene near the Camp Misery Trailhead found two people yelling for help below the road. 

The Jewel Basin Road is rugged and narrow, with some areas only wide enough for one vehicle. Sections of the road are steep as it climbs to the busy parking area for the popular hiking trails.  

There were only minor injuries reported. The passengers of the rental car wore seatbelts, and their airbags deployed, according to fire officials. They got out of the car but couldn’t get up the hill because of the steep terrain and heavy underbrush.  

Crews responded with 350 feet of rescue rope to reach the two people, then placing them in harnesses and helmets. It was a slow process to get them both up the hill due to many downed trees, thick brush and other obstacles, officials said.  

The rescue took two-and-a-half hours in total. Montana Highway Patrol assisted in the response.  

The car was recovered after a lengthy extraction by Bolsters Towing of Kalispell. Photos from the scene show the Nissan Altima’s front end completely crushed.  

On Facebook, fire officials credited their nonprofit partner, Friends of Bigfork Fire Department, for purchasing the rope used in the rescue. The post said crews have been training with the new rope since it was bought last year.

    A rendering from Bigfork Fire Department shows how far a vehicle rolled when it went over the Jewel Basin Road on June 26, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Al Benitez)