Authorities called off the Mount Rainier search for hiker Karen Sykes after a body was discovered in the area , but its identity has not been established . The body was found in steep terrain in the area where rescuers focused during the search for Sykes , 70 . Its identity and cause of death are unclear . The Seattle resident vanished Wednesday while hiking the Owyhigh Lakes Trail with her hiking partner . They separated in the afternoon and planned to meet at the same location later , but she never returned , Mount Rainier National Park said in a statement . Her hiking partner reported her missing the same night . Sykes is an outdoor journalist and is considered an experienced hiker . The Pierce County Medical Examiner will determine the identity of the body , which was discovered off-trail in an area that 's hard to access and rarely traveled . 6 missing Mount Rainier climbers believed to have fallen .
Karen Sykes vanished Wednesday while hiking with her partner . A body was found in steep terrain in an area where search teams focused . Identity of body has not been established .