The Disappearance of Gilbert Mark Gilman and the Hawaiian Shirt
In 2006, Washington State policy advisor Gilbert Mark Gilman drove to Olympic National Park for what should have been a short walk along the Staircase Rapids Loop Trail. After briefly speaking with a park ranger, he entered the forest and was never seen again. Despite extensive searches, investigators found no trace of Gilman, leaving behind more questions than answers. In this episode of Beneath the Evergreens, we explore the timeline, evidence, and circumstances surrounding one of Washington’s most puzzling disappearances. We also examine the leading theories, including an accidental fall into the river, a medical emergency, possible foul play, and other mysteries tied to the remote wilderness of the Pacific Northwest.
References
Charley Project. (n.d.). Gilbert Mark Gilman. The Charley Project.
https://charleyproject.org/case/gilbert-mark-gilman
Missing Veterans. (2006). Gilbert Mark Gilman.
http://www.missingveterans.com/2006/gilbert-mark-gilman/
Strange Outdoors. (2024). The puzzling disappearance of ex-paratrooper Gilbert Gilman from Olympic National Park.
https://www.strangeoutdoors.com/mysterious-stories-blog/gilbert-mark-gilman
National Park Service. (n.d.). Staircase area – Olympic National Park. U.S. Department of the Interior.
https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/staircase.htm
My Olympic Park. (n.d.). Staircase Rapids Loop hike.
https://www.myolympicpark.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/staircase-rapids-hike/
KIRO-TV. (2008). Coverage of the disappearance of Gilbert Gilman. (Archived news reporting).
Investigation Discovery. (2014). Dark Minds (Season 2 episode discussing the disappearance of Gilbert Gilman). Investigation Discovery Network.
Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2014). Statements regarding Israel Keyes and unsolved cases in Washington.
82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum. (n.d.). History of the division. https://www.82ndairbornedivisionmuseum.com/history-of-the-division/
Gutierrez, S. (2006, July 15). Olympia policy aide disappears after trip to Olympic National Park. Seattle Post-Intelligencer.