Search begins in Glacier for overdue backpacker

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Aug 21, 2008 at 6:07 PM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 21, 2008 at 6:07 PM MDT

WEST GLACIER - A search is under way in Glacier National Park for a 27-year-old backpacker who was three days overdue from a backcountry hike.

Park officials say Yi-Jien Hwa, a resident of Kentucky and Malaysia, was last seen at the St. Mary Visitor Center on Aug. 11, the first day of his planned hike. His hike was to end on Aug. 18 at Kintla Lake.

Park officials say Hwa planned to hike alone. His car was found in the Logan Pass Visitor Center parking lot. Ranger Patrick Suddath says the backcountry permit that Hwa filed with the park shows his path was to include the Floral Park area, Gunsight Pass trail, Highline trail and Goat Haunt.

The National Park Service and U.S. Border Patrol began searching areas at the beginning of his itinerary early Thursday.

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