News Release

Hiker Remains Missing in Mount Rainier National Park

Date: October 23, 2020
Contact: Patti Wold, PIO, 360-569-6563

Extensive search efforts over ten days have not located Dr. Sam Dubal who went missing while hiking in the Mowich Lake area of Mount Rainier National Park. 

Park rangers along with volunteer teams have been searching for Dr. Dubal since October 11. Daily robust searches have included ground-based search teams, canine teams, drones, helicopters, and the use of Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) cameras.  

With the arrival of significant winter weather and following exhaustive search efforts, the National Park Service (NPS), is suspending ground searches but will continue to manage the search as new leads arise. 

“Searchers have spent long hours scouring the area and not locating Dr. Dubal is heavy on our hearts,” said Chip Jenkins, Superintendent at Mount Rainer National Park. “We continue to be in close contact with Dr. Dubal’s family and will keep them updated as new information becomes available.”  

If you have any information that could help investigators, please contact the NPS Investigative Service Branch (ISB) Tip Line. CALL or TEXT at [phone], EMAIL [e-mail] or ONLINE form at www.nps.gov/ISB 

Dr. Dubal began his overnight hike on October 9, 2020 and was due out on October 10th. He was reported overdue on October 12 and searching began that afternoon. More information is available on the park’s October 16 and the October 13 news releases . 

Olympic Mountain Rescue, Seattle Mountain Rescue, Tacoma Mountain Rescue, Central Washington Mountain Rescue, Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Kitsap County Explorer Search and Rescue, Cowlitz County Search and Rescue, Pierce County German Shepard Search Dogs, Washington State Search and Rescue Planning Unit, and Mount Rainier Volunteer Nordic Patrol assisted with search operations. 

The National Park Service uses drones for certain approved operations including search and rescue, fire operations and scientific study. The National Park Service does not allow recreational use of unmanned aircraft by the public. 

-NPS-