Overdue hiker in Snoqualmie Pass area found safe, sheriff's office says

SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. -- An overdue hiker at the Denny Creek Trailhead in the Snoqualmie Pass area was found safe Tuesday, the King County Sheriff's Office said.

"Walked out to Talapus Lake trailhead," the sheriff's office tweeted. "Tired, cold dehydrated hungry. Cleared by aid. On his way home."

Deputies with the sheriff's office say John Smith was expected to return home Sunday after hiking. When he didn't return, some friends went to the trailhead on Monday, found his car there and called 9-1-1.

Search-and-rescuers began canvassing the area by foot on Monday.

The sheriff's Guardian 1 helicopter joined the search on Tuesday.

Smith's friends say he is an experienced hiker and is familiar with the area.

John Smith