Two Hikers Die Within 24 Hours on Washington's Dangerous Sauk Mountain Trail

Key points

• Gary Idleburg, 66, of Olympia, died after falling 800 to 1,000 feet from a switchback on Sauk Mountain on Sept. 19 at 3:30 p.m.
• Peter Kalapaca, 78, of Edmonds, was found dead on Sept. 18 after going missing on Sept. 17; his body was recovered by helicopter from inaccessible terrain.
• The 4.2-mile roundtrip trail to the 5,500-foot peak is described as steep, narrow, and eroded, with multiple past fatalities.
• Skagit County Sheriff's Office and state parks personnel assisted in recovery operations for both victims.
• The trail is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which is responsible for potential safety improvements.

Background

Sauk Mountain has a history of fatal accidents; a hiker died there in 2017, another in 2018, and a third just last year. In August 2022, Skagit County Search & Rescue warned that the mountain is 'very unforgiving' and recommended extreme caution. Recent hiker reports on the Washington Trails Association website have noted significant erosion on the trail, advising hikers to use trekking poles and stay in groups.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News emphasized the tragic timing of the two deaths occurring just one day apart, highlighting the difficulty of the terrain and the remote nature of the recovery operations. Cascadia Daily News provided additional context on the trail's history of fatalities and noted that the U.S. Forest Service, as the managing agency, would be responsible for any safety measures or trail improvements. Both sources confirmed the identities and ages of the victims and the circumstances of their deaths, but Cascadia Daily News included more detail on the search and rescue efforts and the trail's condition.

Why it matters

The deaths underscore the inherent dangers of the Sauk Mountain trail, which is popular but hazardous due to its steep, narrow, and eroded switchbacks. The incidents may prompt renewed discussions about trail safety, maintenance, and the responsibilities of the U.S. Forest Service in managing high-risk hiking areas.

What to watch

The U.S. Forest Service may review the trail's condition and consider safety improvements. Hikers are advised to exercise extreme caution, use trekking poles, and stay in groups when attempting the trail. Further investigations into the causes of death are ongoing.