No sign of missing backpacker

The Daily Inter Lake

The search continued Saturday for a Kentucky hiker who has been missing for days in Glacier National Park's backcountry.

Yi-Jien Hwa, 27, began his solo trek in the park Aug. 11 and did not show up at Kintla Lodge as planned Aug. 18. A search got under way Wednesday and has steadily intensified, from 25 searchers and two search-dog teams Friday to more than 60 searchers and two helicopters Saturday.

Flathead County Search and Rescue on Saturday joined the search team, which also includes members of the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Forest Service.

Saturday's search was based on the plan Hwa outlined on his backcountry permit application and on conversations about his plans with friends and family members, Incident Commander Patrick Suddath with Glacier National Park said according to a press release.

Items found in Hwa's car also provided clues about the hiker's plans, Suddath said. Hwa left behind food, clothing and equipment that he might have planned to collect between segments of his hike.

"We are using all the clues we can gather to use in finding Mr. Hwa," Suddath said. "We remain very concerned about him, knowing the challenges he faced from the terrain, the weather, the wildlife, and other factors at the beginning of his hike, and we are searching that area intensively."

Hwa's itinerary covered more than 90 miles of hiking trails, with a more than 15,000-foot elevation gain and a 14,000-foot elevation drop.

Searchers spent Saturday in the Floral Park area south of Logan Pass and west of the Continental Divide, where Hwa planned to begin his hike. Poor weather conditions hindered a close search of the area earlier in the week.

The terrain is challenging, even for experienced mountaineers, Suddath said. The searchers were cautioned about fresh snow, deceptive ice and snow bridges, and treacherous footing on wet rocks.

Suddath said he and his staff were keeping Hwa's family informed of all search efforts.

"We are providing information as well as assistance as they let us know their needs and concerns," he said. "We consider that to be of the utmost importance at this difficult time."

Hwa is 6-feet 1-inch tall, weighing 170 pounds. He is believed to be carrying a blue Kelty backpack, trekking poles and other equipment.

Park officials ask anyone who may have information on Hwa to call the park at 888-7801.