Large-scale search for hiker unsuccessful

After the fourth grueling day of large-scale searches for hiker Kate Huether in steep, forested terrain, rescuers on Wednesday night said they found nothing — and said such searches were suspended until new leads emerge.

Wednesday’s search included 46 people on foot, two rescue dogs, two horse teams and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, according to a bulletin from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office.

The bulletin said weather improved about 10:30 a.m. and passing rain showers didn’t hinder searchers.

“This action does not mean we stop looking for Kate,” sheriff’s Sgt. Jay Johnston said. “The sheriff’s office will continue to evaluate information as it becomes available. The sheriff’s office may commit search resources back into the area based upon new information they may receive.”

He added: “I would like to thank all of the search and rescue organizations, and individuals, that have assisted us during this incident, from government entities to the many volunteers. We are fortunate to have a valuable asset such as all of these folks that make themselves available for incidents such as this.”

Huether, a 24-year-old Portland resident and student at Portland State University, left her car Thursday afternoon at the Bonneville trailhead about a mile east of North Bonneville, officials said. She’d texted a friend that she was going on a short hike.

The segment of the Pacific Crest Trail leads from state Highway 14 toward Table Mountain, several miles to the north in steep, rugged and forested terrain.

Her car was found about 1 a.m. Friday by a Skamania County deputy at the trailhead north of Bonneville Dam in the Columbia River Gorge.

She was first reported missing on Saturday and large-scale searches began Sunday morning.

Despite reports of a flasher in the area Thursday, foul play is not suspected, but the reports are being investigated by sheriff’s detectives nonetheless, said Undersheriff Dave Cox.

The last clue came Sunday when a receipt bearing Huether’s name was found near Table Mountain.

The area started becoming colder on Monday, with a dusting of snow Tuesday morning.

Officials said they don’t know whether Huether took a coat or jacket, but said she’s believed to have left with a backpack, its contents unknown.

Anyone with information about Huether is asked to call the sheriff’s 24-hour emergency line at 509-427-9490.