TREACHEROUS TRAILS

Found Body Ends Search for Hiking Expert

Remains not yet identified.

The search for a well-known Seattle hiking enthusiast and author, Karen Sykes, 70, came to a close after a female body was disocverd on Mount Rainier. Park spokeswoman Patti Wold said the "deceased female" was found off of a trail near Boundary Creek in rough terrain that is not usually traveled. Sykes had been missing since Wednesday when she was separated from her partner. When they encountered snow at 5,000 feet, Sykes continued on while her partner stayed behind. Her partner reported Sykes missing late Wednesday night when she failed to return from a snow-covered stretch of the Owyhigh Lakes Trail. The body's remains were not officially identified, and there was no word yet on cause of death. This incdence comes weeks after six climbers are believed to have fallen to their death after attempting the challenge route to Mount Rainier's summit.