Search Called Off for Man Missing in Olympic NP

July 5, 2006

    A new mystery has been added to the chapters of Olympic National Park lore, as officials have called off the search for a 47-year-old Washington State man who vanished during what friends thought would be a day hike into the Staircase region in the park's southeast corner.
    Ground teams, aerial teams, divers and even underwater cameras were used during the eight days of searching for Gilbert Gilman, the deputy director of Washington's Department of Retirement Systems. Gilman, who went for a hike on June 24th, was reported missing later that weekend when he failed to turn up for a planned business trip.
    Olympic encompasses some pretty rugged landscape, and the area where Gilman was last seen is no exception. Mountains climb to about 6,000 feet, and the hiking terrain is steep and rocky at times, with thick undergrowth.
    Searchers spent more than 5,000 hours looking for Gilman. They went so far as to use underwater cameras to explore rapids in the North Fork Skokomish River.
    "We’ve explored both the logical and the more remote scenarios of what Mr. Gilman may have done, decisions he may have made, and routes he may have chosen, but none of them produced results,” said Ranger Mike Danisiewicz, head of the search effort. “No one knew of his plans, and we’ve found nothing to help determine where he might have gone. We’ve reached the limits of what we can do.”

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks 

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks. 

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks 

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.