No new clues in Glacier search effort

There are no new updates in the case of a Whitefish man reported missing in Glacier National Park last week.

According to information from Glacier National Park, search efforts have continued over the last week for Mark Sinclair, 66, who was last seen July 8.

The last confirmed sighting of Sinclair was on the Highline Trail by a visitor late Monday afternoon, July 8, between Haystack Butte and Granite Park Chalet. He was observed earlier that afternoon by Logan Pass Visitor Center staff as he left an unsecured vehicle, keys, and dog in the Logan Pass Parking Lot and headed toward the Highline Trail.

Search team investigators have received an abundance of information about Sinclair from the public. Investigators have pursued every lead, but nothing has been discovered to reveal his whereabouts.

In the absence of any actionable clues over the past eight days, search managers expect to suspend large-scale ground search efforts later this week unless something substantive is discovered.

Also, the park closed the Highline Trail from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet last weekend because a sub-adult grizzly bear was charging visitors and remaining in close proximity to search teams for extended periods of time.

A visitor deployed bear spray. Similar to other bear-related trail closures, the park will conduct trail patrols until a “clear” patrol free of bears is achieved for at least two days before reopening to the public.

The Highline Trail poses unique challenges when bears frequent the area because there is often very little space for hikers to move aside if bears come through. Hikers can access Granite Park Chalet from the Loop or the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail from the Many Glacier Valley.

Visitors can check the park’s trail status page or current conditions page for trail updates.

In relation to the search for Sinclair, ground and air crews continue to search the Highline Trail and Granite Park Chalet vicinity, in addition to other drainages and trails near the area. Crews have encountered steep, treacherous terrain, high winds, rain, and bears, among other hazards that characterize Glacier’s high country. Gray rock, shaded areas, and dense vegetation have increased the difficulty of pinpointing Sinclair’s whereabouts.

Visitors hiking in the general Logan Pass and Granite Park area may hear search crew whistles, and will see helicopters inserting ground search crews and conducting aerial surveillance.

Search managers are using helicopters, cameras, infrared flights, and drones to search areas difficult or impossible for ground crews to reach.

Investigations into Sinclair’s activities, personal connections and information received via the tip line (406-888-7077) will continue. The public is urged to continue to report information that may lead to Sinclair’s whereabouts, including sightings and any discovery of his belongings.

Glacier National Park thanked Flathead County staff and volunteer search and rescue personnel, U.S. Forest Service, Whitefish Police Department, U.S. Geological Survey, and Homeland Security for search and investigation resources.