Carol Marlene Ferguson, 83, of Bremerton, Washington, disappeared in late summer 2017 after a last known contact on September 26, 2017, when she called a friend and canceled plans. Neighbors later noticed both her absence and that of her distinctive red 2000 Ford Ranger, which was found on the morning of October 11, 2017, parked at the Putvin Trailhead off Forest Service Road 2500 in Mason County.

The truck was identifiable by a unique collection of stickers and magnets on its rear bumper and tailgate. The vehicle’s location placed it at the gateway to rugged Olympic National Forest terrain near Lena Lake, an area Ferguson was known to hike. The Mason County Sheriff’s Office and search-and-rescue teams conducted extensive searches around Lena Lake and the Putvin Trailhead but found no trace of her.

Family noted she was an experienced, independent hiker who generally kept to herself, and there were indications dementia may have been a factor. If anyone was in the Lena Lake or Putvin Trailhead area in late September or early October 2017 and saw Carol or her red Ford Ranger, can you share what you remember?