Body of missing hiker found in Mt. Rainier National Park

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK — The body of a missing 74-year-old hiker has been recovered from Mount Rainier National Park.

The Olympian reports Craig Goodwin of Black Diamond was reported missing Tuesday when he did not return from an overnight hike.

Searchers found his car at the Paul Peak trail head the next day and scoured the area, focusing on Golden Lakes, Sunset Park and the South Mowich River trail crossing.

On Wednesday evening, searchers in a helicopter spotted Goodwin’s body on a gravel bank downstream of the trail crossing. A ground team was able to recover his body.

The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine his cause of death.

“River crossings can be extremely hazardous this time of the year,” said Tracy Swartout, the park’s deputy superintendent. “The park’s cold, swift-flowing waters require a high level of caution, even for hikers with extensive experience, knowledge and skills.”