Overdue hiker located

On August 18th, 2026 at approximately 8:15 pm and overdue hiker, 27-year-old Chad Pietrok of Portland Oregon was reported overdue. He was last heard from on August 11th as he entered the Ingalls Creek trailhead near highway 97. He was beginning a planned 4-day hike that would take him nearly 65 miles through the Ingalls valley over to the Esmeralda Basin, then into Jack Creek before going over Windy Pass to the Eightmile trailhead. Chad had already completed a through hike of the Enchantments prior to going to the Ingalls trailhead.

A Search and Rescue Deputy took the call and it was determined due to the time, an immediate response that evening would not be beneficial. Search and rescue efforts began the next morning. Throughout the next 2-1/2 days, searchers walked nearly every portion of Chad’s planned route as well as several potential off-course routes he could have gone. The area was also searched by helicopters, drones, and K9’s.

On August 21st, eleven ground teams deployed from various locations in Chelan and Kittitas Counties. At approximately 11:30 am, RiverCom dispatch received a text-to-911 from a hiker who indicated he was with Chad on the Jack Creek trail near the trailhead. The hiker recognized Chad as missing and offered to give him a ride back to his vehicle. A deputy was sent to contact Chad and the hiker. Chad was found healthy and uninjured. It had taken him longer to get through his hike than anticipated and he had experienced some trail conditions that were difficult to traverse. 

Throughout this rescue, approximately 70 people and 3 dogs were deployed from the following agencies and volunteer groups: Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue, Chelan County Mountain Rescue, Chelan County SO Air Support Unit, Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, Kittitas County Search and Rescue, Seattle Mountain Rescue, Yakima County SAR, King County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit, and US Forest Service. 

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the help received from all of these groups