A family’s search for their Christmas tree turned into a search and rescue operation for them Sunday after they got stuck in snow as they were heading home.

Deschutes County authorities rescued the two adults and two children, ages 13 and 17, and their dog four hours after they called 911.

The four relatives left Bend around 3:30 p.m. and drove into the Deschutes National Forest in search of a tree. They got stuck in about 18 inches of snow near East Lake in the La Pine area as they were heading back around 7:45 p.m., according to the county sheriff’s office.

Soren Smith, 24, called 911 around 8:10 p.m. to report his family was stuck. They didn’t have shovels or other equipment to dig out their four-wheel-drive pickup truck, the sheriff’s office said. They did have water, cold-weather gear and half a tank of gas to keep warm in the truck.

A county search and rescue deputy used an ATV to help reach the family a little after midnight. They were found two and a half miles east of East Lake. By then, the snow on the ground had accumulated to about 21 inches, the sheriff’s office said.

The deputy drove the family to the deputy’s patrol truck parked about four miles away, and officers later drove the relatives back home, authorities said.

The sheriff’s office advised people to be aware that several Forest Service roads are closed in the winter, and those planning to travel on backroads should have traction tires, chains and shovels to dig out.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 |@EvertonBailey