Missing Female Hiker Found Alive

Kelli Bryan walked out of the forest shortly after 3:00 Thursday.

Olallie Lake

(OLALLIE LAKE, Ore.) - The search for a missing hiker in the Olallie Lake area is over and the 21-year old Linfield College student is alive and well.

Upwards of 60 searchers had responded to the area to search for Kelli Bryan. She had a job at nearby Olallie Lake and is considered an experienced hiker.

Fortunately, weather conditions were reasonable with temperatures in the 50's and scattered showers.

The Oregon National Guard launched an OH-58 Kiowa helicopter this morning to assist in the search which got underway Wednesday afternoon. They searchers set out to cover an area that encompasses more than 300 square miles with varying terrain. After reaching safety, Kelli told searchers he had been hiking on Tuesday when clouds and fog rolled in obscuring her view of a butte she was using as a landmark and she lost the trail. Marion County Sheriff's Office Spokesman Kevin Rau says she had food and water with her and built a shelter and fire each night to keep warm.

"Kelli was evaluated by medics and was determined to be in good health and uninjured. She was reunited with her family."

He added that search crews were relieved to find Kelli in good health and no worse for the wear.

"It should be noted that many agencies participated in this event and many more were preparing search teams to assist in the effort. Those agencies included Marion, Linn, Jefferson, Descutes Search and Rescue teams, Oregon National Guard, Warm Springs Police Department and the U.S. Forest Service. Amost all of he people involved in this event are volunteers with the listed teams."