BRINNON — A search began Wednesday morning for two men who are overdue from a one-night backpacking trip they began Saturday to Upper Lena Lake in the southeast section of Olympic National Park.
The two men — identified as Neil B. Twilla, 41, of Silverdale and Jeff Mersmann, 38, of Bremerton — are both experienced hikers, physically fit, and experienced with the Upper Lena Lake area, said Barb Maynes, park spokeswomen.
A helicopter crew flew over Upper Lena Lake, just northwest of the town of Eldon, on Wednesday morning and spotted a tent that matches one known to be used by the two men.
But crew members saw no sign of the men themselves.
Maynes said the helicopter couldn’t fly Wednesday because of the weather but a larger helicopter is arriving today when weather conditions are expected to have improved.
Two ground searchers had to turn back because they couldn’t hike past a stream crossing about a half mile from Upper Lena Lake, she said.
The plan now is to fly five ground searchers and three dog teams directly to Upper Lena Lake, Maynes said.
Several days of gear and food also will be flown in since the searchers may have to wait to be flown out again or hike out on their own, she said.
Other people are working “containment” at other possible access routes to see if the men emerge.
