Search Continues For Armed Man In Olympic National Park

CLALLAM COUNTY, WA — Portions of Olympic National Park remain closed as a multi-agency search continues for a man authorities believe is armed and "possibly suffering mental distress." The situation began to unfold Sunday afternoon when the National Park Service announced closures for the Hurricane Ridge and Deer Park areas, citing public safety concerns.

In an update shared Monday night, the NPS said both areas of the park would remain closed until further notice, including nearby wilderness camping areas and hiking trails. The search has included members of the National Park Service, the Clallam County Sheriff's Office, and the FBI.

"As we manage this difficult situation, our first priority is to ensure the safety of our visitors, our staff, and our first responders," park officials wrote. "We are currently focused on keeping the Deer Park area clear and resolving the situation without anyone being hurt."

Authorities said the man, a local resident in his 30s, was "known to be armed" and potentially using drugs. NPS officials said he had access to food, water and camping gear. He was last known to be in the Deer Park area, where his vehicle remains.

"There has been no recent communications with the man to help ascertain his current mental status," the sheriff's office wrote. "As of this time there have been no specific threats made and there is no known that to the residents of the Deer Park area."

The Deer Park Campground remains evacuated and Deer Park Road is closed near the park boundary. Hurricane Ridge Road is closed above the "Heart O' the Hills" campground.