An 89-year-old missing hiker survived nearly 10 days in the Idaho wilderness thanks to his “will to survive,” authorities said.
“Bing Olbum has been found and is home,” the Custer County Sheriff’s Office in central Idaho said on August 11. “This is an extraordinary outcome to this incident!”
Olbum left the Hunter Creek Trailhead on Aug. 1 after a family member dropped him off there. He had expected to be gone for only five days but never made it to the exit of the Mcdonald Creek Area, the sheriff’s office previously said. The trailhead is in the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
He was reported missing on August 7. Olbum only had five days’ worth of supplies with him when he left.
HIKER MISSING FOR 10 DAYS FOUND ALIVE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MOUNTAINS
Hiker Bing Olbum was found last weekend after being missing for more than a week. (Custer County Sheriff’s Office)
Olbum’s camp was found late Saturday night and he was home by 3 a.m. Sunday after locals on horseback found him around 12:30 a.m.
“Sheriff Levi Maydole is grateful for the tireless efforts of our wonderful community that led to this outcome,” the sheriff’s office said last Sunday, adding, “Bing’s will to survive led to an incredibly happy ending to this incident. We hope he makes a quick recovery and is able to enjoy time with his family and friends.”
Bing Olbum was hiking in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. (H. Abernathy/ClassicStock/Getty Images)
One person commented on the sheriff’s post, “I’m so happy about this outcome!! Get well soon!!,” while another person wrote, “I don’t know Bing but I’m really impressed with his toughness. He doesn’t give up! I’m so thankful for the happy ending to his ordeal.” A third person called it a “true miracle.”
According to officials, search and rescue units were deployed during the search, checking any possible traces he might have taken.
The Salmon-Challis National Forest covers 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 upper end of the canyon, where the switchbacks become steeper and somewhat more difficult,” says a description of the trail on the US Forest Service Website. “At the top, the forest thins out and visitors have a clear view of Mount Ryan (11,714 feet) and Kent Peak.”
It was not entirely clear why Olbum deviated from his course during his hike.
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After Olbum disappeared, his daughter posted a picture of his trail map on Facebook, saying she was afraid he was injured “or worse and couldn’t put a tarp down for the helicopters to see.” After he was found, she posted the update: “DEHYDRATED BUT FOUND ALIVE AND HEALTHY!!!!!!!!!!!’
