Douglas police are urging hikers to register their walks after authorities were forced to call in a helicopter to rescue a missing elderly couple near Cape Tribulation last week. 

Authorities said the Dutch tourists took an extended trek up Mount Sorrow trail last Tuesday morning.

Police were contacted when a concerned resident noticed the couple still hadn't returned from the six-hour round trip hike later that evening.   

A search team on the ground worked in tandem with a police helicopter flown in from Cairns to locate the 74-year old man and his 60-year old partner.

Senior Constable Casandra Hill and a second officer escorted the couple safely off the trail after they were spotted by the helicopter around 9:30pm on Tuesday night.

Sen Const Hill said the couple only suffered minor abrasions despite traversing 'treacherous' off track terrain in complete darkness.

"Visibility was extremely low and the terrain was awful and dangerous," Sen Const Hill said. 

"It was very difficult to have safe footing due to the amount of debris caused as a result of Tropical Cyclone Ita."

Police are asking hikers to take the necessary precautions before heading out on a long walk and to avoid trails which may have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Ita.

"Everyone that heads out on these walks should fill out a registration form at their accommodation house before they leave," Sen Const Hill said.