Dog teams, helicopter join search for missing hiker in Olympic National Park

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK -- A search intensified Sunday for a hiker who is several days overdue from a 39-mile hike in the northeast corner of Olympic National Park.

64-year-old Kelly Hall, of Bainbridge Island, started his hike last Saturday, August 30th. He set out from the Obstruction Point Trailhead near Hurricane Ridge.

Family members said they expected to meet him at the USFS Slab Camp Trailhead Thursday afternoon, but he did not show up. They reported him missing Thursday evening.

Sixteen people were searching along Hall's intended route. Three dog teams were added to the search effort late Saturday.

A helicopter was expected to fly over Hall's route Sunday afternoon.

Volunteers assisting the National Park Service include Olympic Mountain Rescue, the Clallam County Search and Rescue and German Shepherd Search Dogs.

“We ask anyone who may have seen Mr. Hall in recent days to please call the park immediately at 360-565-3120,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum.  “Information from other hikers is often extremely valuable during searches.”