The lava fields nearby (CA and OR) don't have many tourist helicopters. And it's pretty toasty in the summer. Ironically, if you set a smoky signal fire you'd probably be rescued -- fire season brings a lot of trained eyes with binoculars, 4WD fire engines, and aircraft.

While his lack of preparation didn't help, I'm surprised to see he tried to signal the helicopter with a mirror and drank water from moss. Pretty lucky guy.