Hunter Fraser, a backpacker that has been missing since June 7th, self-rescued via the Dosewallips River Trail in Olympic National Park, WA, with the assistance of other hikers. He was driven to Quilcene, WA, where his family, park personnel, and medical responders met him.
Mr. Fraser, 44, from California, left his vehicle at the Deer Ridge Trailhead (#836), also known as Slab Camp, on Monday, June 5th, intending to hike a 40-mile trek with two overnights. His family last contacted him via text on the morning of June 6th. He was supposed to return to Seattle by midday on Wednesday, June 7th. He was reported overdue by a family member late on June 7th. The search for Mr. Fraser began on June 8th until park personnel received word he could self-rescue on June 10th. The search effort included air support, ground teams, and dog teams from various agencies, many of which were volunteers. In all, there were approximately 90 search and rescue personnel involved.
Olympic National Park wants to extend gratitude to the numerous organizations that helped with the search operations: Washington State SAR Planning Unit, Quilcene Fire & Rescue, Snohomish County Volunteer SAR, Kitsap County ESAR, Jefferson County SAR, Olympic Mountain Rescue, Pierce County ESAR, Tacoma Mountain Rescue, Clallam County SAR, Mount Rainier National Park, U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
While the region has been experiencing a stretch of lovely weather, the high country of Olympic National Park is still very much covered in snow. Mountain visitors should be prepared for snow-covered trails and navigating avalanche terrain. The proper equipment is necessary. Visitors that plan to stay overnight in the backcountry of Olympic National Park are required to have a Wilderness Permit. These permits help rangers know the general itinerary of an individual and include an emergency contact.
