Bear Creek area, Sawtooth National Forest (83228) Alarm: Idaho Tip Spurs Hunt for Travis Decker – LIVE UPDATES

Bear Creek area, Sawtooth National Forest (83228) – A tense breakthrough has reignited the nationwide manhunt for Travis Decker, accused of murdering his three daughters in Washington state. Authorities are now probing Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest after a “compelling” tip from a camping family who spotted a man matching Decker’s profile—complete with a long ponytail, overgrown beard, and distinctive tattoos—on July 5. This sighting, nearly 500 miles from the crime scene, has shifted the search focus into rugged, remote terrain, triggering a massive interagency operation. U.S. Marshals, forest rangers, and local law enforcement are coordinating to track the suspect through ATV trails, creek beds, and hiking routes. Here’s the latest on this developing story and what it means for communities across the region.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Sawtooth National Forest (ID) sighting fuels search shift.

• IMPACT: Manhunt spans two states; all three girls’ deaths remain central.

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “The tip…was pretty compelling,” says U.S. Marshal Leigh.

• ACTION: Public urged to report sightings; avoid approaching suspicious individuals.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Bear Creek area, Sawtooth National Forest (83228) – ATV trail zone accessed by campers.

2. Community Connection:

   “He seemed out of place, avoided eye contact.”
   – Jennifer Rice, Idaho City camper, whose June 18 sighting may have been Decker.

Over a month has passed since the tragic discovery on June 2 near Rock Island Campground, Washington, where Decker’s daughters—Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5)—were found suffocated and abandoned alongside their father’s truck. Since then, an extensive search operation involving the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals, Forest Service, and Idaho authorities has combed wilderness spanning two states. The July 5 sighting by a camping family, describing a man with tattoos consistent with Decker’s, long ponytail, beard, and low-top shoes like Converse or Vans, has prompted a rapid expansion of search efforts into Idaho’s mountainous terrain.

Although Decker is a veteran trained in survival and navigation, law enforcement warns he may be armed and considered dangerous—but not a direct threat to the public. Investigators caution against picking up any hitchhikers or attempting contact, urging individuals to immediately alert authorities if they spot someone matching Decker’s description. Meanwhile, summer recreation has filled forest trails, increasing the likelihood of sightings and community involvement.

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW: With receding snow and increased tourists flooding Idaho trails, law enforcement sees a crucial window to locate Decker.

Crisis Response

• IMMEDIATE RESOURCES:
  » U.S. Marshals Tips Hotline: 1‑800‑336‑0102 / www.usmarshals.gov/tips
  » Idaho Forest Service Dispatch: (208) 877‑1121

• OFFICIAL GUIDANCE:

  “Do not approach—note features and call immediately.”
  – Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Michael Leigh

Update Log

• July 9, 2025, 3:00 PM: Authorities confirm tattoos matched Decker’s description.

• July 7, 2025, 2:17 PM: U.S. Marshals, Forest Service, and Camas County Sheriff begin joint Idaho search.

• July 5, 2025: Camping family in Sawtooth reports man matching Decker’s appearance.