Search and rescue crews in Whatcom County, in Washington state's far north, are working to find a hiker from British Columbia who did not make it home when expected. Authorities have issued a public appeal for any information about his whereabouts.
The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office identified the missing man as Gursimran Singh Randhawa, 43. He had been expected back home in British Columbia, but was not heard from after the weekend.
According to authorities, Randhawa was due to return on Sunday. When he failed to come back and could not be reached, concern grew and a search effort was launched.
A key clue emerged when his vehicle was located. His car, a newer Toyota Tacoma, was found on Middle Fork Road, in the area of the Twin Sisters mountain range south of Bellingham.
Search teams have concentrated their efforts in that rugged terrain. Bellingham Mountain Rescue, along with Whatcom County Search and Rescue units, has been working the area where his vehicle was found.
The North Cascades region draws many hikers in the summer, but its steep, remote backcountry can pose serious challenges to anyone who becomes lost or injured far from help.
The Sheriff's Office is urging anyone who may have seen Randhawa or has information about his movements to call 911 right away. Investigators say even small details could help narrow the search.