The search for 55-year-old missing hiker Steven Dorsett in Washington state has come to a tragic end as the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the discovery of his body on Saturday, July 11th.
Search crews recovered Dorsett’s body on Saturday afternoon in the national forest, according to an update from the sheriff’s office. The 55-year-old had been the subject of an extensive search after he was reported overdue from a planned 10-day backpacking trip in North Cascades National Park.
Dorsett was last seen around 11am on June 24th leaving the Canyon Creek trailhead on State Route 20. He had told others he planned to hike to Corral Lake, though his exact route was unknown. Search efforts had focused on areas including Harts Pass, Pasayten Trail, Big Craggy and the Pacific Crest Trail.
The sheriff’s office thanked the numerous agencies and volunteers who took part in the search and recovery operation. Those involved included the Whatcom County Search and Rescue Council, the Whatcom County Search and Rescue 4×4 Unit, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue, Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council, Everett Mountain Rescue, Skagit Mountain Rescue, National Park Rangers, the Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team and the Snohomish County Swift Water team.
The backcountry terrain in the North Cascades has proven treacherous for hikers in the past, with steep drainages, dense forest and rugged alpine passes that can make both travel and search operations difficult. Authorities have not released additional details on the circumstances surrounding Dorsett’s death or the exact location where his body was found.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the friends, family, and loved ones of the deceased at this time.