Barry Joel Tragen — Missing From Kintla Lake, Glacier National Park
Barry Joel Tragen, 68, went missing from the Kintla Lake area of Glacier National Park on July 22, 2020. His vehicle was found parked near the lake in the remote North Fork region of the park. Barry was described as 5'10", approximately 220 lbs, and had no known medical conditions at the time of his disappearance.
Search efforts did not begin until July 25, when rangers noticed his vehicle had not moved and Barry had not returned. He has not been seen since.
The Search for Barry Tragen
On August 4, 2020, searchers located a pair of sunglasses in Kintla Creek. These were believed to belong to Barry. Canine units were brought in and showed interest at the outlet of Kintla Lake, but no additional clues were found.
Glacier National Park released the following summary of the search:
- Ground teams searched the Kintla Lake and Kintla Creek areas
- Canine units were deployed
- A remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) was used to search the foot of Kintla Lake
- Aerial observations were conducted
- Water searches were performed using boats and the ROV
Despite these efforts, no further evidence of Barry’s whereabouts has been discovered.
Timeline
- July 22, 2020 — Barry’s vehicle was observed near Kintla Lake
- July 25, 2020 — Rangers initiate a search after he fails to return
- August 4, 2020 — Sunglasses found in Kintla Creek
- Following days — Extensive ground, air, canine, and underwater searches
- Present — Barry remains missing
Agencies involved included:
- Glacier National Park staff
- Flathead County Sheriff’s Office
- Flathead County Search and Rescue
- Two Bear Air
- National Park Service Investigative Services
- FBI
Barry is still considered a missing person, and the investigation remains open.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Glacier National Park tip line at 406‑888‑7077.