News Release

Missing Backpacker, Hunter Fraser, Located

Date: June 10, 2023
Contact: Public Affairs Office, 360-565-3005

Hunter Fraser, a backpacker that has been missing since June 7th, self-rescued via the Dosewallips River Trail with the assistance of other hikers. He was driven to Quilcene, WA where his family, park personnel, and medical responders met him. 

Mr. Fraser had planned a 40-mile backpacking trip and intended to be back in Seattle on June 7th. He was reported overdue by a family member late in the day on June 7th. The search for Mr. Fraser began on June 8th and continued until park personnel received word he was able to self-rescue on June 10th. The search effort included air support, ground teams, and dog teams from a variety of agencies, many of which are 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.