Rangers search Ozette area for overdue hiker

Published 10:16 am Thursday, August 29, 2013

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Rangers are searching the Ozette area today for a missing hiker.

Bryan Lee Johnston, 71, of Seattle, was reported overdue Wednesday when he failed to return from a planned two- or three-day trip to the Olympic National Park, said Barb Maynes, park spokeswoman.

This morning, six ground search teams and two search dog teams are continuing the search begun Wednesday.

A team is also searching Lake Ozette in a boat.

Johnston is reported to have left his Seattle home Aug. 22, and told friends and family that he planned a day hike on the Ozette Loop Trail.

He has white hair worn in a ponytail, blue eyes, and is 5-feet, 10-inches tall.

When last seen, he was wearing blue jeans and carrying a black day pack

Family members describe him as active and physically fit.

Rangers located Johnston’s truck in the Ozette Ranger station parking lot on Wednesday.

That day, teams searched the Ozette Loop Trail, beach areas and Lake Ozette, and a helicopter search was conducted until dark.

Anyone with clues or information regarding Johnston’s whereabouts is asked to call Olympic National Park at 360-565-3120.