Woman goes missing in Olympic National Park during solo hike

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Search-and-rescue crews launched a hasty search Thursday for a woman who went missing in Olympic National Park.

Park officials said Laura Macke, 35, was reported missing Wednesday.

She had a backcountry permit for Oct. 30 to Oct. 31, according to Olympic National Park, and was traveling solo with an intended route to the Enchanted Valley, with a stop to camp at Pyrites Creek.

Authorities said she would still be in the backcountry Tuesday but has not returned.

Macke is described as 5-foot-6, 200 pounds, with curly, light brown hair in a bob cut. Officials said she is wearing a black-and-white striped shirt, black rain jacket, and maroon-colored puffy jacket.  

In addition to searchers on the ground, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter was called in for a preliminary search but officials said the search was impeded by changing weather.

Additional searches will take place on Friday, Nov. 4, according to Olympic National Park. 

Officials noted that information from other day hikers and backpackers is often extremely valuable. Anyone who was in the area of Lake Quinault, Graves Creek, or Enchanted Valley between Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 or have any information about Macke can or text the tip line at 1-888-653-0009, submit a tip online at go.nps.gov/SubmitATip, or email nps_isb@nps.gov