Pacific Coast Trail hiker found safe; man at Big Lava Beds still missing

YAKIMA – A 23-year-old woman reported missing while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in southwest Washington has been found safe, but a search has been suspended for an Oregon man.

Authorities said Alejandra Wilson of Oregon was located Saturday afternoon, cold and tired but otherwise OK.

A search team spotted her walking in the Pacific Crest Trail area. She was reported missing after becoming overdue for a trail check last Monday.

Sgt. George Town of the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office said Wilson reported that she got stranded by a snowstorm and waited until conditions improved before walking out.

Meanwhile, the search was suspended for 31-year-old Kristopher Zitzewitz, of Portland, who was last seen Sept. 28 in the Big Lava Beds area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Skamania County Undersheriff Dave Cox said more than 100 people searched Saturday. Further searching was suspended pending new information about his whereabouts.