The body of a 74-year-old man who did not return from hiking in Mount Rainier National Park on Tuesday afternoon was recovered Wednesday, according to the National Park Service.
Officials said in a news release that Craig Goodwin of Black Diamond was reported missing by his family when he did not return home as expected from an overnight hike.
On Wednesday morning, searchers found his car at the Paul Peak trailhead and began searching in Golden Lakes, Sunset Park and the South Mowich River trail crossing areas.
Park officials warned about river crossings, recommending hikers scout out an area before crossing any stream.
At about 5:47 p.m., searchers using the park’s A-Star helicopter spotted Goodwin’s body on a gravel bank downstream of the South Mowich River trail crossing, officials said. His body was recovered at about 7 p.m. and turned over to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office.
“River crossings can be extremely hazardous this time of the year,” said Tracy Swartout, deputy superintendent. “The park’s cold, swift-flowing waters require a high level of caution, even for hikers with extensive experience, knowledge and skills.”
Officials also said people should look for log jams, waterfalls and other hazards and find an area where they can get out of the river should they fall in.
“Smooth bottoms and low water areas are typically the best places to cross,” park officials said. It was also advised that people should use extreme caution when making the choice to cross a river.
“If conditions appear too hazardous or above your skill level, you should turn back and take an alternate route,” park officials said.