Second Missing Hiker Search Underway in Whatcom County

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — A second missing hiker search is now underway in Whatcom County as deputies ask for the public’s help locating 55-year-old Steven Dorsett, who has not returned from a backpacking trip after leaving the Canyon Creek Trailhead on June 24.

Investigators found Dorsett’s vehicle at the trailhead and are now asking anyone who traveled through several popular North Cascades hiking areas to report possible sightings. He planned to spend no more than 10 days in the backcountry. When he failed to return, search crews began looking for him and later found his vehicle at the trailhead.

Now, investigators hope hikers, campers and other outdoor recreationists can provide new leads.

“Even one small detail can help direct search efforts.”

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office

“Even one small detail can help direct search efforts,” deputies said as they renewed their request for information.

Deputies Narrow Search to Several Wilderness Areas

Meanwhile, investigators continue focusing on several locations where Dorsett may have traveled after leaving the trailhead.

Areas of interest include:

• Harts Pass
• Pasayten Trail
• Big Craggy
• Pacific Crest Trail

Although Dorsett may have planned to hike toward Corral Lake, investigators have not confirmed his exact route.

Distinctive Backpacking Gear Could Help Searchers

Dorsett stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 165 pounds.

He reportedly carried:

• Sage green 48-liter Gregory Paragon backpack
• Green Marmot two-person backpacking tent
• Green Marmot sleeping bag

Because those items stand out in the backcountry, deputies encourage anyone who notices abandoned gear or an unattended campsite to report it immediately.

Anyone With Information Should Call 911

Search teams continue working in the area. However, investigators believe the public may hold information that could help move the case forward.

If you hiked anywhere near Harts Pass, the Pasayten Trail, Big Craggy or the Pacific Crest Trail since June 24, deputies ask you to think back carefully. Photos, GPS tracks, dash camera footage from trailheads and even brief encounters with another backpacker could prove valuable.

Anyone with information about Steven Dorsett or his whereabouts should call 911 immediately.

Similar Search Continues Elsewhere in Whatcom County

Dorsett’s disappearance comes as search crews continue looking for another missing hiker in Whatcom County.

On July 1, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office asked for the public’s help locating 34-year-old Gursimran Singh, who also goes by Randhawa, after he failed to return to British Columbia from a hike near South Twin Peak. Deputies later located his vehicle along Middle Fork Road, prompting an extensive search involving Bellingham Mountain Rescue, Whatcom County Search and Rescue 4×4, and several state and regional rescue teams.

Although the two cases are unrelated, both remain active. In each case, investigators are asking hikers and anyone who recently traveled through the search areas to report possible sightings or other information that could help locate the missing men.

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