MARBLEMOUNT — The Everett hiker missing for days walked out of the North Cascades on Sunday afternoon.
Rescue crews this weekend searched the North Cascades National Park for 22-year-old Mark Albrecht, who was several days overdue from his solo hiking trip.
A ranger spotted Albrecht about 3 p.m. at the top of a trail head, park spokeswoman Kerry Olson said.
He was tired and hungry but unharmed, said the Rev. Mike Zachman of Arlington, a longtime friend of the Albrecht family.
“His training and a lot of prayers saved his life,” Zachman said.
The young man told rescuers he got lost in the low, thick fog cover on Wednesday morning. He pitched his tent and waited for help. An Eagle Scout and an avid outdoorsman, Albrecht knew how to survive in the wilderness, Zachman said.
Still, the hiker was surrounded by rough terrain. When snow began to break nearby, Albrecht knew he needed to head down, Zachman said.
“It’s an amazing survival story,” he said.
On Sunday morning, the hiker found his way down a creek drainage to Cascade River Road, Olson said.
“We are happy he made it back safely,” she said.
Albrecht moved to Everett a few weeks ago from Indiana to work as an aviation mechanic.
The man was reported missing on Thursday, when he didn’t return to work and didn’t check in with his family.
A backcountry camping permit late Friday led rangers to Albrecht’s car, parked at a trail head in the Cascade Pass area.
Park officials require such permits in case hikers get in harm’s way, Olson said.
About 60 rescuers combed the ground Saturday and Sunday, she said. Low clouds made it impossible to launch a helicopter search.
Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.
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