A popular hiking trail in WA's Stirling Range National Park has seen a fourfold increase in the number of hikers being rescued so far this year, with rescuers saying a spike in visitors is the cause.

The Range, about 337 kilometres south-east of Perth, is a popular destination for hikers and tourists.

Official figures show more than 50,000 people summit Bluff Knoll each year, but emergency services said there had been a steady rise in numbers, precipitating a spike in those needing to be rescued.

Rescues increase

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said rescue crews had been called to 12 incidents so far this year, up from the three for the same time last year.

A total of four people were rescued in 2024.

Just last month, three people, aged between 80 and 40 were airlifted

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