Missing Person

2 hikers reported missing in Glacier National Park

Posted: Oct 14, 2012 12:01 PM by MTN News

FLATHEAD COUNTY - Search efforts are underway in Glacier National Park for two hikers that have been reported missing.

Family members reported them missing on Friday when the two men missed their flight from Montana to the East Coast and failed to return home.

Officials believe that Neal Peckens of Virginia and Jason Hiser of Maryland, both 32 years old, departed from the North Shore Trailhead at Two Medicine on Tuesday, October 9.

According to their backcountry permit, they planned to camp at the Oldman Backcountry Campground on Tuesday night and return to Two Medicine on Wednesday, October 10.

Park rangers located the men's vehicle late Friday, and initiated a search early this morning.

An aerial search was conducted and six teams of search personnel hiked the area trails and conducted interviews with park visitors in the area. Weather was challenging for search personnel with windy conditions, low visibility, and rain and snow throughout the day.

Additional search personnel from other organizations will be assisting on Sunday.

Peckens is six feet tall and approximately 180 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Hiser is six feet tall and approximately 200 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. It is unknown what clothing the men are wearing and what equipment they have with them.

Anyone that may have any information or may have been in the area and seen individuals that may meet the descriptions are encouraged to contact the park at 888-7805.