Missing Hiker Found

WEST GLACIER, MONT.  – Missing hiker Luis Lim spent one unexpected night in the backcountry after failing to return from a day hike on the Autumn Creek Trail near Marias Pass in the southern section of Glacier National Park. Park rangers successfully located the man near the trail at approximately 10:30 a.m. (MST) this morning and found him safe with no serious injuries.

On Tuesday, June 10 at approximately 11 a.m., Luis Lim, a 48-year old male from Chicago, and Stephen Vickery, a 66-year old male from Toronto, departed on the Autumn Creek Trail from East Glacier towards Marias Pass. According to park rangers, their intended destination was the Lubec Trailhead. The two men had just met that morning in East Glacier and decided to hike together. This was Lim’s first time hiking, while Vickery describes himself as an experienced hiker.

Glacier National Park Dispatch received a phone call from Lim at approximately 5:40 p.m. stating himself and Vickery were lost on the trail and concerned they would not make it out before dark. Glacier County Sheriff’s Office pinged Lim’s cell phone several times in order to pinpoint their location. Glacier County deputies responded to the area and located Vickery on U.S. Highway 2 at approximately 2 a.m.

Vickery told park rangers that Lim was still in the backcountry and was physically unable to continue with him due to exhaustion. The hikers carried water and food for the day, but were not prepared to stay overnight. On Wednesday, June 11, approximately 6 a.m. five crews of Glacier National Park employees began a search for Lim on foot and horseback. The hiker was located approximately 3.75 miles from the Marias Pass Trailhead, off the Autumn Creek Trail around 10:30 a.m.

Lim was not injured, but he was cold, tired, wet, and hungry when found. He arrived safely at the Marias Pass Trailhead with rescuers at approximately 2 p.m. today. Flathead County Search and Rescue and Two Bear Air were en route to the search when the hiker was located.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan for and enjoy all that Glacier National Park has to offer.  This includes learning about the area you plan to visit, especially when traveling in the backcountry, and having the items you may need if the situation changes. Hikers should carry up-to-date maps, compass, first aid kit, flashlight, rain gear, matches, fire starter, whistle, extra food, and extra clothing. Without planning and awareness of an individual’s surroundings, accidents can happen.

If a hiker becomes lost, stay on a designated trail and do not move from your location. Try to contact emergency services if possible and follow all directions from park rangers for your own safety. Park rangers recommend all visitors utilize the Glacier National Park Day Trip Plan, available at any backcountry permit office in the park or online at http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/upload/Day-Trip-Plan.pdf. This valuable tool provides details of your intended route to search and rescue personnel, narrowing search locations and potentially saving lives.