book review: Trail of the Lost by Andrea Lankford

There is a lot to be (positively) said about “Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail” by Andrea Lankford, which is jammed with information, readable, and tackles the tangled complexity that is searching for lost people in the wilderness. There are no neat answers because this is not a neat situation. While this can be frustrating to some, it’s reality and reality is sometimes very frustrating and uncooperative; which is well reflected in the text. If you’re interested in nature, true crime, and/or wilderness rescue, this is a good read satisfying in its thoroughness without being winded or dry. It’s not your usual true crime or hiking book which is its strength; the biggest strength being the author’s ability to not be constrained to any singular field and in the connections she makes.

What we are shown is the toll this takes on the people looking for the lost, the role of social media (in helpfulness and hindrance), how law enforcement can help or harm in searches, the bureaucracy involved, liars bafflingly gravitating to cases like these for attention, how much citizen-led searches can help and their limitations, where technology can help and its limitations, and the astounding persistence of our very human need for answers.

The primary focus is on three people: Chris Sylvia, Kris Fowler, and David O’Sullivan. What they shared in common is that they all went missing on the Pacific Crest Trail and all are men. That’s as far as the similarities go. Where on the trail they went missing, why they started hiking this particular trail, what was going on in their lives, socio-economic background, state/country of origin, number of days spent on trail, etc. all differ. But one other similarity is how hard their families and friends looked for them. The persistence is heartbreaking and awe-inspiring to pore over and absorb - and this is the true story. While the unanswered questions are intriguing and a mystery is capturing, in reality it remains a catalyst and driving force to find closure. This reality is quietly but clearly unfolded and explored through-out “Trail of the Lost.”

Not only are their cases covered, there is also time spent on additional hindrances and dangers such as junk science and cults. It’s probably a good thing I had never heard of the bizarre “DNA detecting” device reliant on clipped fingernails; which comes up David O’Sullivan’s story. It’s difficult to tell how much the inventor is a true believer is his modern-day dowsing machine or looking for money.

Unfortunately, I have heard of the Twelve Tribes cult due to its presence on the east coast and their targeting of Appalachian hikers. I learned a bit more about them through “Trail of the Lost,” getting more insight into the scale of their operations and tactics. A lot goes into searching for missing hikers. Perhaps the most unique process gone over in the book is the use of aerial imagery from drones and planes which are then meticulously checked by human eyes (we learn why technology is not as efficient or thorough) before cross-checked, followed-up, and deciding if there is a lead or dead end.

What makes this book stand out in perspective is that Andrea Lankford had been a park ranger for the National Park Service and is a very experienced outdoors-person; including thru-hiking. While she falls under law enforcement, her approach is fair and she criticizes where criticism is warranted, giving explanations throughout why something may or may not work and the frustrations and limitations of people on both sides between law enforcement and worried loved ones. Her concern remains on the people missing. She also shows tact in how to respond to the people they left behind.

If you are looking for closure or a satisfying end to the primary people she writes about, you won’t find it here. Some cases are resolved as a result for the search of these men, which offers some relief and maybe even hope that clues from another case may help lead all closer to closure on their cases. Probably what is scariest is how much luck is involved - good and bad. While it is critical to have persistence and diligence in efforts (because otherwise few people would be found), sometimes you need to good luck on your side for it to work out. The challenges of freak weather, bad timing, and interference of either animals or even law enforcement’s inaction (typically because a singular person did not feel like doing their job) can ruin almost all chances of finding clues or ever finding someone. So you need to find interest in the process and in learning how to accept that, sometimes, things will just not work out.

Under the “Resources” section after the book publication information, there are links to the Fowler-O’Sullivan Foundation, The Charley Project, and to hiking basics and safety. We can’t account for everything, but being prepared and letting people where you will be and when you expect to be back will do a lot in helping preventing problems as well as being found sooner than later.

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Title - Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail

Author - Andrea Lankford

Publisher - Hachette Books

Publication date - September 2024 (First Trade Paperback Edition)

ISBN - 9780306831966

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A little background on the Pacific Crest Trail (the PCT, for short): it is a national scenic trail part of the National Park Service spanning 2,650 miles (4264.762 km). Like the Appalachian Trail, it is a very long trail that goes through a few states which people will hike and camp on for long distances; this activity is known as thru-hiking. The PCT has end points just over the borders of Canada and Mexico, spanning California, Oregon, and Washington. It goes through several biomes and ecosystems, including: desert, mountain, chapparal(?), woodlands, and a rainforest-like environment. It is a challenging under-taking. Most people are familiar with it through the book Wild by Cheryl Strayed along with the movie adaptation of the same name.

This is an unsolicited review, the book was purchased by me for my entertainment. I had thoughts to share. Thank you for reading. A tip is always welcome but not expected. Subscribe to my page to get alerted to new reviews, stories, poetry, and essays. No AI is used in generating written work or images for these posts; all is human made.

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Resources

Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail by Andrea Lankford - on Amazon (not an affiliate link)

Andrea Lankford’s website: https://www.andrealankford.com

Fowler-O'Sullivan Foundation - Assisting Families of Missing Hikers

The Charley Project - a donation run, free database of cold cases (ongoing and resolved) along with resources for missing persons records; site run by Meaghan Good.

America’s National Trails System

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

The 10 Essentials of Hiking as presented by the American Hiking Association

Safety advice from the Pacific Crest Trail Association

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace from the Leave No Trace organization