A hiker who was trapped for two days behind a waterfall was rescued in California.

The Tulare County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) Emergency Services Division received a report on August 11 about a missing man last seen at the top of the 'Seven Teacups' waterfalls near the North Fork of the Kern River.

Deputies identified the hiker as Ryan Wardwell, 46, of Long Beach, who had planned to rappel down the waterfalls but failed to return to his car on Sunday night, August 10.

An extensive search was launched, with aerial units using infrared and high-resolution cameras to help locate the missing holidaymaker.

Due to darkness and hazardous terrain, rescuers delayed the operation until daylight.

Early Tuesday morning, the TCSO Swiftwater-Dive Rescue Team and Search and Rescue units deployed to the area. A drone spotted Wardwell behind a powerful waterfall, alive and responsive.

He later told deputies he had slipped off his rappel lines and became trapped behind the falls by strong river currents.

California Highway Patrol Helicopter H-40 assisted in the rescue effort.

Footage shows a TCSO team member being lowered into the waterfall, where he secured Wardwell and carried out a hoist extraction.

Wardwell was flown to a nearby landing zone, treated for minor injuries and dehydration, and reunited with family members at the scene.

TCSO officials reminded the public to be aware of their surroundings and personal limits, especially when navigating fast-moving rivers.