Camping remains prohibited on a section of the Pacific Crest Trail and areas within North Cascades National Park as law enforcement officials continue their search for triple murder suspect Travis Decker.
According to the most recent update from Chelan County Sheriff's Office, dated June 10, Decker is still believed to be in the Enchantments Wilderness Area in Washington after a possible sighting near Colchuck Lake.
"Our office received a tip from a hiking party who stated they spotted a lone hiker in the Enchantments are who appeared to be ill prepared for trail and weather conditions, and appeared to be avoiding others," reports the Sheriff's Office.
It is not known whether Decker, who is wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters, is armed. Out of an abundance of caution, camping remains closed in the Stehekin area of North Cascades, while the Pacific Crest Trail Association says the camping on the trail in northern Washington also remains off-limits.
A federal arrest warrant has been issued for Decker, who is suspected of murdering his three daughters after their bodies were found June 2 near the Rock Island Campground, located west of Leavenworth off Icicle Road. He is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of kidnapping and one charge of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution. If the June 10 sighting is accurate, it means Decker has not moved more than 15 miles on foot from the murder scene.
"Decker was last seen wearing a light colored shirt and dark shorts. Do not approach, the suspect is dangerous and may be armed. If you see, or believe you have seen, Mr. Decker call 911 immediately," states the NCNP.
Hundreds of federal and state law enforcement officers have been searching structures and forested areas after the girls' bodies were found approximately 11 miles from the famous Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from Mexico to the Canadian border. Though thru-hikers on the trail were banned from crossing the border into Canada earlier this year, no system to prevent border crossings has been put in place.
The following trails remain closed until further notice as the search proceeds:
- Pacific Crest Trail within the park complex (Agnes Creek, Old Wagon, and Bridge Creek trails)
- Agnes Gorge Trail
- Rainbow Lake Trail
- Rainbow Creek Trail
- McAlester Lake Trail
- Twisp Pass Trail (to USFS border)
- Stiletto Spur Trail
- North Fork Bridge Creek Trail
- Flat Creek Trail
- Park Creek Trail from Park Creek Pass to the junction with Upper Stehekin Valley Trail
- Upper Stehekin Valley Trail to junction with Horseshoe Basin Trail
- McGregor Mountain Trail
- Goode Ridge Trail
- Bullion Connector Loop
Anyone with information is urged to call the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit your information at https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/forms/submit-a-tip.
