Account
Jan 28, 2026
Jan 28, 2026
Richard
Rex Lee
47
47
6'0 inches
200 lbs
White
Male
In September of 2004, a 47-year-old experienced outdoorsman named Richard Rex Lee embarked on what was planned as a two-day solo hiking excursion in the scenic and rugged terrain of the Wenatchee-Okanogan National Forest in Washington. An avid wilderness hiker, he set his sights on exploring the area around Colchuck Lake, a beautiful but challenging part of the Cascade Mountains located in Chelan County. During his trek, Richard made a reassuring phone call to his brother from a ridgeline where he managed to get cell reception, letting him know that everything was going well and he was enjoying his trip. This would be the last time anyone would hear from him. He was expected to return to his home in Hobart, Washington, on September 11, 2004. When Richard failed to return as scheduled, his wife initially wasn't overly concerned, as it wasn't the first time a trip of his had run longer than planned. However, as more days passed with no word, concern grew, and on September 15, she reported him missing to the authorities. This triggered a large-scale search and rescue operation covering a vast 70-square-mile area that included Lake Stuart, Colchuck Lake, and the Enchantment Lakes. The search was hampered by adverse weather conditions, as up to eight inches of snow fell in the region, making the search efforts more challenging. Search teams, with assistance from volunteers and aircraft, were able to locate Richard's vehicle and, eventually, his campsite, which was situated off the main trail. At the campsite, searchers found some of his belongings, including his sleeping bag and food, which had been thoughtfully hung in a tree to protect it from bears, a testament to his experience in the wilderness. The scene at the camp was undisturbed, with no signs of a struggle or any kind of animal attack. Despite the extensive search efforts that involved multiple agencies and volunteers, no trace of Richard Lee has ever been found. His equipment, clothing, and remains have never been located, leaving his family and investigators with a painful lack of answers. The prevailing theory is that he may have gotten lost or injured while exploring the vast and unforgiving wilderness. Some who were involved in the search of his campsite reported an unsettling or uncomfortable feeling in the area, though they could not specify why. The case of Richard Rex Lee remains an enduring mystery, a story of a man who ventured into the wild he loved and seemingly vanished without a trace.
Sep 09, 2004
Chelan County
Washington
Chelan County
Washington State Patrol
800-543-5678
05/29/2026
