As summer visitors flock to the picturesque Cascades near Leavenworth, Washington, authorities are hoping the rising foot traffic—and the receding waters of Icicle Creek—will help uncover new leads in the ongoing search for Travis Decker, the Army veteran accused of killing his three young daughters.
Nicknamed the “American Alps,” the Cascade Mountains are a haven for hikers and campers, drawing tourists to their rugged terrain and alpine trails. But the same landscape that lures outdoor enthusiasts is also proving to be a major obstacle for search crews trying to locate Decker, who disappeared over a month ago following the gruesome deaths of Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) at a remote campsite.
The girls were found suffocated with plastic bags on June 2, not far from where Decker’s abandoned truck was discovered at Rock Island Campground. Authorities believe he had a three-day head start and is using his military survival training to avoid capture.
Now, with Icicle Creek’s dangerous spring currents calming, search teams are expanding into areas previously too hazardous to explore. “It was just too unsafe to put boots on the ground until now,” Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told CNN. “But with the water dropping, we’re getting new opportunities to search banks, debris, and hidden spots.”
Crowds Might Help Find a Killer
With campers and hikers flooding the area for summer, Morrison believes the increased presence could work in their favor.
“It might be what breaks this wide open,” Morrison said. “People are saturating the region. If anyone spots something unusual—even a campsite, clothing, anything—we want them to speak up.”
So far, the manhunt has included drones, cadaver dogs, swift water teams, and even GoPros mounted on searchers. Despite the massive scale—and a price tag Morrison estimates has already exceeded $6 million—no conclusive evidence has been found.
“This is the largest and most intensive search operation Chelan County has ever seen,” Morrison said. “We’re not stopping.”
Blood, a Dog, and a Fingerprint
Police say Decker picked up his daughters for a scheduled joint custody visit on May 30, then never returned them. When his truck was found four days later, investigators discovered plastic bags, zip ties, and a bloody fingerprint on the tailgate. His dog was found alive nearby with a minor injury.
DNA evidence at the scene matched Decker, but authorities believe he was not seriously hurt. They also note that he left gear behind, potentially limiting his ability to survive long-term in the wilderness.
“That could work against him,” Morrison said. “He may have stashed supplies elsewhere—but he may also be getting desperate.”
Possible Canadian Escape Route
Decker had searched online for how to move to Canada in the days leading up to the murders. His last known location was less than 12 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile route stretching from California to the Canadian border.
U.S. authorities have alerted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who are investigating possible sightings or leads on their side of the border.
While officials remain hopeful of capturing Decker alive, Morrison emphasized that he is dangerous. “He’s not some Special Forces hero. But we take him seriously. He’s a threat.”
A Father’s Promise to the Victims
Despite the scale and duration of the search, Morrison says they won’t stop until there’s resolution. Support has poured in from the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Border Patrol, and multiple federal and local agencies.
“This is personal,” said Morrison, a father himself. “We’re going to be the voice for Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia. We owe it to them and their family to see this through.”
He added, “We haven’t found him yet, and that’s frustrating. But he should know—he won’t get to rest. We’re not giving up.”
