Updated at 10:11 a.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Update: The missing man was found about 9:30 a.m. today, walking along a Forest Service Road about five miles from where he was last seen.
He told searchers he started a small fire to stay warm through the night, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. He was cold and wet but needed no medical treatment, according to the sheriff’s office.
Previous story:
Search and rescue volunteers were activated this morning to help find a Packwood man who hasn’t been seen since yesterday when he went out picking mushrooms in the forest south of Randle.
The 50-year-old man was not prepared to stay overnight; he was dressed in only jeans and a jean jacket, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
He did have a lighter with him, according to Chief Civil Deputy Stacy Brown.
According to Brown, the man – whose identity is not being released – was with his friend about 12:30 p.m. yesterday on Lone Tree Mountain, off of Forest Service Road 55.
When the friend returned to his vehicle at 3:30 p.m., he began honking his horn to let his companion know he was ready to leave and also called out but received no response, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies who were contacted about 7:45 p.m. drove the area but were unable to locate him, according to Brown.