Frantic search launched for hiker, 26, who vanished during off-trail excursion at Olympic National Park

A young hiker vanished after embarking on an off-trail “traverse” in a Washington state national park last week, sparking a frantic search.A massive search effort is underway for Neil Gehring, 26, after he failed to reach the endpoint of a planned cross-county excursion at Olympic National Park, according to the National Park Service.Gehring left Madison Falls Trailhead in the park last Monday, with a backcountry permit to hike from Boulder Lake to Appleton Pass before returning to the trailhead by the next day, the federal agency said.

He was “reported overdue” at 6:30 a.m.on Wednesday, the morning after his planned return, officials said.

Search efforts to locate Gehring began “immediately” after the young hiker was reported missing.He is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs roughly 130 pounds, with short black hair, a slender build, and brown eyes, the NPS said in a press release.The trek where Gehring disappeared spans rugged terrain and steep slopes in the Port Angeles park, located along the Pacific coastline.Anyone who was in the area or has information that may assist in the search for Gehring is urged to call the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or email [email protected]....