Man Disappears During Camping Trip Near River

The search for a man who last seen during a camping trip expanded Monday, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

Jay Nelson was camping with friends at Deschutes Falls County Park near Yelm on Friday night, a spokesman for the Thurston County Sheriff's Department told KIRO 7.

The 20-year-old Rainier man was last seen late Friday night when the group went to sleep at about 11 p.m. When his friends awoke on Saturday morning, Nelson had disappeared, though his sleeping bag and belongings were still at the campsite in Southeast Thurston County.

Deputies said the group camped very near a ledge just above the river.

Thurston County search and rescue teams, including a dive team, searched the area and portions of the Deschutes River.

On Monday, dive teams will use sonar in an attempt to determine if Nelson fell into the river when he may have got up during the night.

Officials said the area where the campers spent the night is dangerous, due to the steep cliffs along the river and near the Deschutes Falls. Police told KIRO 7 that the park is not open to the public.

Nelson's mother is hoping to hear word soon.

"Being out at this time of the year and where he was was pretty foolish, but I'm hoping he's okay and is able to manage it, but he made some poor choices to be sure," said Dee Dee Nelson.