OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Although the ground search has been called off, rangers are continuing the investigation into what happened to a Seattle man who planned a hike on the Ozette Loop Trail and who has been missing for two weeks.
Bryan Lee Johnston, 71, left his home Aug. 22 for a planned two- to three-day trip to Olympic National Park, made a stop in Port Angeles and hasn’t been seen since.
“We don’t ever end the search,” said Barb Maynes, park spokeswoman.
Ground and water teams ended an intensive search in the Ozette area Friday, and the case has moved into an investigative phase that will remain open until it is solved, Maynes said Tuesday.
Regular park patrols will continue watching for clues to Johnston’s fate, she said.
Maynes said information on Johnston’s disappearance and his picture have been sent to hikers who had backcountry hiking permits during the time he went missing in the hope that someone saw him on the trails.
The information also is being shared with other law enforcement agencies in the region.
Johnston’s description
Johnston has white hair worn in a ponytail, blue eyes and is 5 feet, 10 inches tall. He is described by family members as physically fit.
When last seen, he was wearing blue jeans and carrying a black day pack.
As long as Johnston is missing, rangers and employees working at Lake Ozette always will know about him, she said.
Johnston told friends and family he planned a day hike on the Ozette Loop Trail.
Family members told park officials that Johnston was not equipped for an overnight hike, and park records show he did not apply for an overnight permit.
Rangers found Johnston’s truck at the Ozette Ranger station parking lot Aug. 28.
Several receipts dated Aug. 22 from Port Angeles businesses were found in the truck.
Anyone who has seen Johnston or has information regarding his whereabouts is asked to phone Olympic National Park at 360-565-3120.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
