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Chet Hanson Missing Person Case

Last seen in Mount Ranier, Washington on Nov 11, 1997

Victim Details

Dec 21, 2013

May 30, 2023

Chet

Hanson

55

27

70 inches

170 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Nov 11, 1997

Mount Ranier

Washington

Pierce County

No

22924

National Park Service - Mount Rainier

Ashford

Washington

Pierce County

98304

Lorant Veress

Ranger

55210 238th Avenue East, Washington

3605696612

Federal

Law Enforcement

https://www.nps.gov/mora/contacts.htm

97-2028

Nov 11, 1997

National Park Service - Mount Rainier

Blond/Strawberry

Unknown

Unknown

No

Oct 11, 2026


Area Last Seen:

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The Chet Hanson and Joe Wood disappearance - Mt. Rainier ...

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP23010) and 5 other sources
In the autumn of 1997, a talented 27-year-old nature photographer named Chet Hanson embarked on what should have been a routine day trip into the scenic expanse of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. On the morning of November 11, Chet left his home in Wilkeson, telling his mother he would be back for dinner. An avid and experienced hiker who knew the area well, he set out with about 35 pounds of camera equipment, intending to capture the beauty of the park's waterfalls and lakes. He was dressed lightly for a day hike, wearing shorts, a fleece, and hiking boots. When he failed to return that evening, his family initially thought he might have stayed with friends. The concern grew when his employer, Alaska Airlines, reported him absent from his shift the following day, officially setting in motion the search for the missing photographer.

The search began with friends and family, who soon located Chet's vehicle at the Deer Creek Falls Trailhead. Inside the car, investigators found some photo negatives, a key ring, a glasses case, and miscellaneous papers, but no sign of Chet or his extensive camera gear. The negatives suggested he had been in the Tipsoo Lake area and along Highway 410. A significant lead emerged when two hikers reported seeing a man matching Chet's description at Shriner Peak around noon on the day he disappeared. This information, combined with Chet's recent focus on photographing waterfalls and lakes, helped guide the search efforts. Despite being a strong hiker who often ventured off-trail, the lack of any trace was perplexing.

An intensive search operation was launched, involving park rangers, volunteers, search and rescue teams, dogs, and aircraft. Over 100 searchers, including those with sniffer and cadaver dogs, scoured the rugged terrain. However, the vast and challenging landscape of Mount Rainier National Park yielded no clues. Neither Chet nor any piece of his valuable camera equipment has ever been found. The official search was suspended after several days due to harsh weather conditions, including below-freezing overnight temperatures and fresh snowfall, which made continued efforts perilous and unlikely to succeed. The case grew cold, leaving behind a profound sense of loss and a lingering mystery. The complete absence of any evidence—no dropped equipment, no clothing, no sign of a struggle—is a particularly haunting aspect of his disappearance in the vast wilderness of Mount Rainier.
Last Seen: Nov 11, 1997

Links to Additional Sources (5)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • The strange disappearance of Chet Hanson from Mount Rainier
  • The Chet Hanson and Joe Wood disappearance - Mt. Rainier ...
  • Men Disappearing From Their Cars: Mount Rainier | Criminal
  • Search For Mount Rainier Hiker Called Off - The Spokesman-Review
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP23010

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    77%Possible
    John Doe — Issaquah, Washington - unidentified case UP8582
    John Doe — Issaquah, Washington
    UP8582 • Found Jan 15, 2003
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 18–30 vs 27 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 90%49 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 5 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'3"–5'8" vs 5'10"

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Hey everyone, I was reading about Chet Hanson's disappearance from Mount Rainier in '97 and... ...Read More
    02/19/2024

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