Chet Hanson was a 27-year-old nature photographer who left his home in Wilkeson on the morning of November 11, 1997, for a day trip into Mount Rainier National Park. He told his mother he would be back for dinner but never returned. He was carrying about 35 pounds of camera equipment but was dressed lightly for a day hike in shorts, a fleece, and hiking boots.

Chet’s vehicle was found at the Deer Creek Falls Trailhead with some photo negatives, a key ring, a glasses case, and miscellaneous papers inside, but none of his camera gear. The negatives placed him in the Tipsoo Lake area and along Highway 410, and two hikers reported seeing a man matching his description at Shriner Peak around noon that day. More than 100 searchers, including dogs and aircraft, combed the park before the official search was suspended after several days due to below-freezing temperatures and fresh snowfall.

No trace of Chet or his equipment has ever been found; there were no signs of a struggle or dropped gear. If anyone was in the Tipsoo Lake, Shriner Peak, or Deer Creek Falls areas that day and remembers seeing Chet or his equipment, please share what was seen.