Pacific Crest Trail Section and Enchantments Closed Amid Triple Murder Manhunt

Update (June 8, 2025): Per the National Park Service, “Park officials have opened Stehekin area roads, areas, and trails for day use in coordination with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office. Overnight stays on previously closed trails, including backcountry camps and cross-country zones, remain closed through June 12. Authorities are still searching for the suspect, and we encourage visitors to the area to remain alert.”

Update (June 6, 2025): In addition to trailhead and camping closures within the Enchantments, a section of the Pacific Crest Trail is now officially closed due to the ongoing manhunt. The section includes the PCT within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex (Agnes Creek, Old Wagon, and Bridge Creek trails).

An urgent manhunt is currently underway across Washington state for Travis Decker, 32, who is sought on probable cause for three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. These charges are in connection with the tragic deaths of his three young daughters. This search operation has led to the immediate closure of The Enchantments wilderness area and its surrounding regions.

Who is Travis Decker

Travis Decker is currently sought in connection with the deaths of his three daughters: Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5. The girls were initially reported missing on May 30 after Decker failed to return them following a planned visitation. Their bodies were discovered on June 2, days later, approximately 100 yards from Decker’s unoccupied white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck. The truck was located near a campground situated west of Leavenworth. Court documents indicate that the girls likely died from asphyxiation, with their wrists zip-tied or showing signs of being zip-tied, and plastic bags found over their heads.

Photo

Authorities have described Decker as a white male, 5’8″ tall, weighing 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last observed wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts. His background includes service as a former Army soldier with “extensive training,” and he notably attended mountain survival school. Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison has confirmed that Decker is “well-versed” in outdoor survival and has a history of living off the grid for at least two months. The girls’ mother expressed concerns regarding Decker’s mental health issues, and his ex-wife reportedly claimed he had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and was not adhering to prescribed medication.

Pacific Crest Trail Closure

Per the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office, “Authorities believe Decker may be traveling along or near the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and could be anywhere in its vicinity.” 

The Pacific Crest Trail Association says that the PCT north of Stehekin has been closed due to the manhunt. The PCTA has no law enforcement authority and encourages community members to contact Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office and Chelan County Sheriff’s Office with questions or tips. 

Per PCTA:

“Park officials have closed trails in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area within North Cascades National Park Service Complex. The following trails are closed, including backcountry camps and cross-country zones along closed trails:

• Pacific Crest Trail within the park complex (Agnes Creek, Old Wagon, and Bridge Creek trails)
• Rainbow Lake Trail
• Rainbow Creek Trail
• McAlester Lake Trail
• Twisp Pass Trail (to USFS border)
• Stiletto Spur Trail
• North Fork Bridge Creek Trail
• Upper Stehekin Valley Trail
• Flat Creek Trail
• Thunder Creek Trail from Park Creek Pass to the junction with Upper Stehekin Valley Trail
• Upper Stehekin Valley Trail to junction with Horseshow Basin Trail”

The Enchantments Closure

The Enchantments and their surrounding areas have been closed to the public to ensure public safety and facilitate unimpeded search operations for Decker. The emergency closure order was officially issued by the U.S. Forest Service in coordination with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office. This order is effective from June 5 through June 18, with the understanding that it may be lifted earlier depending on the evolving situation.

The scope of the closure is large, encompassing the Icicle River area within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, located southwest of Leavenworth. The precise boundary begins at the Snow Lakes Trailhead, extends along the Snow Lakes trail to Colchuck Pass, and then circles back along Icicle Ridge to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. The closed area includes the entire Icicle Road road system, all campgrounds, and all trails within these defined limits.

Photo: Tiffany Chou

Violators of this closure order face severe consequences under federal law. Individuals found entering the designated area, traveling on closed trails or roads, or using off-road vehicles within the restricted zone could face a fine of up to $5,000, up to six months in prison, or both. Organizations found in violation could face fines up to $10,000. Exceptions to the closure are strictly limited to emergency personnel, such as law enforcement and rescue teams, and individuals holding special Forest Service permits.

Closed Campgrounds in The Enchantments Area

 Closed Trails in The Enchantments Area

Closed Forest Service Roads

More than 20 forest service roads are off-limits, including all primary spurs off FSR 7600000. These include FSR 7600100, 7600800, 7600900; FSR 7600020, 7601111, 7601112 (and spurs A & B); FSR 7603000 and its spurs including 7603175, 7605000, 7605113; and additional roads such as FSR 7600315, 7600415 (and spur A), 7600615, 7600616, 7600810.

Further Information

Given his background and the severity of the alleged crimes, Decker is considered armed and dangerous. The public is unequivocally advised not to approach or contact Decker if he is sighted. Instead, individuals should immediately call 911.

Authorities have also issued a directive to owners of cabins and residents in remote areas across Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish, and Okanogan counties to secure their properties. This includes locking all doors, sheds, and outbuildings, and leaving window blinds open and outside lights on.