Crews Search for Outdoors Writer Missing for 3 Days on Mt. Rainier

June 21, 2014— -- Crews are searching for an experienced hiker who has been missing for three days on Mt. Rainier in Washington state.

Karen Sykes, 70, was hiking with a friend when she disappeared. According to the National Park Service, Sykes and her partner planned to split up for the day so Sykes could get to the Owyhigh Lakes on Mt. Rainier. But Sykes never returned from her solo hike and was reported missing more than seven hours after leaving.

Sykes is described as an "experienced hiker" and outdoors journalist by the National Park Service. According to The Associated Press she wrote a book titled "Hidden Hikes" about trails in Washington State. Sykes also has a blog documenting her trips through the wilderness.

Park officials said they are concerned that even though she is experienced, she may have run into steep, wet and slippery terrain or a snow bridge on the still snow-packed trail. One searcher was injured on Thursday after falling through a snow bridge and had to be airlifted out of the area.

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Sykes' friend, outdoors photographer Don Geyer, told ABC news affiliate KOMO-TV in Seattle he was concerned that Sykes could be hurt on the treacherous terrain.

"In the blink of an eye you let your guard down for a moment and things can happen to any of us no matter how prepared you are for it," Geyer said.

Rescue personnel used tracking dogs and search equipment today as they extended their efforts beyond the vicinity of the original trail to try to find Sykes.