Mushroom picker lost near Humptulips found unharmed

The 59-year-old spent the night in the woods before walking out

A missing mushroom picker who spent Sunday night in the woods north of Humptulips was found Monday morning in good health, Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office Chief Criminal Deputy Steve Shumate told The Daily World.

Shumate said 59-year-old Mark R. Hamm spent the night in the forest and found his way to a road where he ran into searchers. He had been in an area off Donkey Creek Road and had been missing since about 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

According to Shumate, Hamm spent the night without food, water or a flash light, but was wearing rain gear that helped protect him from the weather. After losing track of Hamm, his mushroom picking partner had spent several hours looking for him Sunday night before she called 911 Sunday evening.

Upon arrival, deputies searched the immediate area throughout the evening without success. Search personnel including K9 tracking teams were also scheduled to help look Monday morning.

Shumate said Hamm and the reporting party are from Thurston County, but was not sure if they were familiar with the Humptulips area.