Search Launched For Overdue Hiker In Olympic National Park

A search was under way in Olympic National Park on Wednesday for a backpacker who failed to return from a three-day hike.

Tim Bailey, 32, of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, was supposed to return home Sunday, park officials said in a release. The backpacker was on a solo trip from the Aurora Ridge Trailhead to the North Fork of the Sol Duc. When he didn't return home, his wife contacted park officials.

Mr. Bailey’s vehicle was located at the Aurora Ridge Trailhead Monday morning. An initial “hasty” search began on Tuesday. On Wednesday, a dozen searchers from the park, aided by a helicopter, continued to search the area between Aurora Ridge and the North Fork of the Sol Duc.

The backpacker was described as an athletic and capable hiker with previous overnight experience in mountainous terrain. He is 6-foot-1 and 160 pounds with brown eyes and hair; he has a short beard and arm band tattoos on both upper arms.

If you've seen Mr. Baily, you're asked to contact park dispatch at 360-565-3000.