Deputies are searching for a naked Vancouver woman, 19, who left her campground in west Skamania County on Sunday afternoon.
Maureen Kelly reportedly left the Canyon Creek Campground in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest just after 5 p.m. Sunday on a “spiritual quest,” wearing only a fanny pack that contained a compass and a knife. The woman was supposed to return that night, but didn’t. A friend reported her missing around midnight.
Canyon Creek is steep and mountainous with heavy timber and brush, said Dave Cox, Skamania County Undersheriff. Deputies aren’t sure whether Kelly is on a road or trail in the area, or moving cross country.
“We had a fairly mild evening last night, with temperatures in the lower 50s,” Cox said. “We have several search and rescue personnel currently deployed and will continue operations till nightfall.”
The sheriff’s office set up a local command post and requested additional aide through the Washington and Oregon departments of emergency management.