Idaho hiker, 89, vanishes after setting off on trail over a week ago

Bing Olbum, 89, was last seen setting off on his trek along the Hunter Creek Trailhead in Salmon-Challis National Forest on Aug. 1, officials said.

Aug 12, 2024 - 07:38
Idaho hiker, 89, vanishes after setting off on trail over a week ago

An 89-year-old hiker is missing in Idaho after he was last seen setting off down a trail over a week ago, authorities said.

Bing Olbum left from the Hunter Creek Trailhead on Aug. 1 and never reached the exit point of the Mcdonald Creek Area, the Custer County Sheriff's Office said. The trailhead is located within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. 

Officials said that search and rescue units were deployed and searching all possible trails for Olbum.

As of Sunday morning, search and rescue teams did not report finding any signs of the 89-year-old.

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Fox Digital has reached out to the Custer County Sheriff's Office for more information about the search but did not immediately hear back.

Officials said Olbum was reported missing on Aug. 6. He was described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with brown eyes and white hair. 

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The 89-year-old was dropped off at the trailhead by a family member, and had five days of supplies with him when he began his trek, the sheriff’s office told ABC News. 

Sunday marks 11 days since Olbum was last seen.

The Salmon–Challis National Forest spans over 4.3 million acres in east-central Idaho, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The Hunter Creek Trailhead is located north of Boise.

"The trail follows the creek to the head of the canyon where the switchbacks become steeper and a little more difficult," reads a description of the trail on the U.S. Forest Service website. "At the top, the timber clears and visitors have a clear view of Mount Ryan (11,714 feet) and Kent Peak."