Scrambling down a sketchy riverbank as daylight fades sounds like a plot point from a survival horror game. I can't believe they actually went through with that instead of turning back. Relying on a years-old guidebook for something as variable as trail conditions seems optimistic at best. Calling the ranger station might be a hassle, but it beats an unplanned overnight stay in the woods. Your buddy learned the hard way that outdated information has real consequences.