A frantic search is underway for a 26-year-old hiker who vanished during an off-trail traverse at Olympic National Park in Washington state.
Neil Gehring, 26, failed to reach the endpoint of his planned cross-country excursion and was reported overdue at 6:30 a.m. On Wednesday, according to the National Park Service. He had set out from Madison Falls Trailhead the previous Monday with a backcountry permit for a route from Boulder Lake to Appleton Pass, with a planned return by the following day.
Search efforts began immediately after Gehring was reported missing the morning after his intended return, officials said. The federal agency has not indicated any signs of the young hiker since the search commenced.
Gehring stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs roughly 130 pounds, the NPS said in a press release. He has short black hair, brown eyes, and a slender build.
The trek spans rugged terrain and steep slopes in the Port Angeles park, which sits along the Pacific coastline. The area where Gehring disappeared is known for its challenging off-trail conditions.
The National Park Service is urging anyone who was in the area or has information that may assist in the search to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or via email at [email protected].
Gehring’s planned route from Boulder Lake to Appleton Pass represents a significant cross-country traverse through remote wilderness. The backcountry permit system is designed to help track hikers in precisely this kind of scenario, allowing officials to note when someone fails to return as scheduled.
The search operation has drawn attention to the risks of off-trail hiking in the park’s vast backcountry, where steep terrain and unpredictable coastal weather can challenge even experienced outdoors enthusiasts.
Federal officials have not released additional details about specific search tactics or areas of focus as the operation continues.
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