Search For Hiker Expands

Wed., June 11, 1997

Associated Press

A search for a hiker missing on a backpacking trip in Olympic National Park was expanded Tuesday.

Park search commander Gary Gissell said 25 searchers, assisted by seven search dog teams and a helicopter, were looking for Christopher Wearstler, 21, of Port Angeles.

Wearstler was last seen June 3 by a park employee near the Elkhorn ranger station in the Elwha River Valley, on the park’s north side. He was due to return from his hike on Friday, and was reported overdue Saturday night.

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