UPDATE: The Clallam County Sheriff's Office says Roger Gates was found by his daughter Tuesday morning and is safe.
The previous story is below:
The Clallam County Sheriff's Office is searching for a 59-year-old man who was last seen Sunday before going on a hike near U.S. Forest Service Road 2870 in Sequim. Authorities believe Roger Gates became disoriented and lost because of the heavy smoke and haze from the recent wildfires.
Gates called his family on Monday morning and said he was in an area known as ‘3 O’clock Ridge’ and thought he could make it back to his vehicle. The sheriff’s office said no one had made contact with Gates since the phone call.
A team with the sheriff’s office searched for Gates Monday evening on the trail leading up to 3 O’clock ridge without any results. Crews will be out again Tuesday morning with the help of a thermal imaging equipped helicopter.
Gates is an avid hiker and nature observer. Family members said he is typically well prepared to be in the outdoors when he hikes.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Clallam County Sheriff's Office at 360-417-2459.
