Lost hiker survives month-long ordeal eating mushrooms and berries in US park

Robert Schock, a 39-year-old hiker, went missing in Washington's Northern Cascades National Park for about a month after taking a hike with his dog, Freddy, on July 31.

After Schock was reported missing, a two-week search effort was launched, but it was called off when he wasn’t found. However, on Aug. 30, a crew from the Pacific Northwest Trail Association discovered him in a weakened state, having survived without food, phone service, or proper clothing.

“That guy who came and clothed me … very well saved my life,” Schock told PEOPLE. “It is an understatement to say how truly thankful I am for those people to be there that day because it came pretty close to the finish line.”

A Tough Journey

Schock, an ultra runner rather than an experienced hiker, didn’t anticipate the challenges he would face. He only had a pair of shorts, his dog, and a dog pan in his small backpack.

Familiar with the area, Schock began his hike with an old map, aiming for the Chilliwack River Trail. He unknowingly ventured onto a closed section, leading him deeper into the wilderness. “Curiosity kept me going,” he recalled. After his phone died the day after he started, Schock realised the seriousness of his situation. On the third day, he encouraged Freddy to find their way home, feeling increasingly lost and desperate.

Finding Food

In his struggle for survival, Schock came across old bear nesting grounds and discovered a large mushroom, which turned out to be one of his few food sources.

"Never would I have dreamt that's the experience I was headed towards when I was going out for a run. Never did I dream that this kind of survival could ever even be possible," he told PEOPLE.

(With inputs from agencies)