Discussion Disappearing in a Forest? in Europe specifically

[Sunshine]

How likely is it to hike deep into a forest, to die there and to not be found for months or even years? Ideally when the remains have become bones and the flesh/organs one with nature.

I know the US has these massive parks that people disappear in. I am not familiar with hikers and how deep they go into forests or if someone could just drive to a large forest, then walk for 5 hours into it and then likely not be found for a long time. Does it also relate to the season? Would be curious for some insight on that topic.

 

[SpacingOut]

Generally depends on the country and area, but I can almost guarantee a small forest will not be sufficient at all. People go berry picking, mushroom picking and all that other stuff. Also, if there's small forests around your area and you suddenly vanish and are reported missing, police will likely search small forests and hiking trails. That's how it works where I live, at least. The longest it's taken for a person to be found in my country in the recent years was probably 1.5 months.

 

[yotaka]

I've been searching for the same thing in the western U.S., and even here I'm having trouble finding a good place. I've been searching on Google Earth and it's disheartening; people are everywhere. Seeing the extent to which humankind has defaced the entire planet just intensifies my desire to get out of here.

I'm not sure if this is realistic or not, but maybe timing it to just before the first heavy snowfall of the winter could work. That way your body would have an entire winter beneath the snow (unless wolves or other scavengers dig it up). If you can somehow get north, like to the Lapland area or something, there might be a better chance.

 

[unluckyme]

it really depends on the area and size of the forest, like other replies have mentioned.

there are exceptions though; I feel like if you didn't tell anyone where exactly you were they would definitely struggle to find you. hikers disappear on frequently traveled trails in well known parks and some of them have never been found, despite search crews having a good idea of the approximate location of the missing person and teams with search dogs. just because there are people around doesn't necessarily mean they will find you..

also mentioned above, but snow can help. ex. the disappearance of writer Joe Wood hiking at mount rainier. authorities had a good idea from witnesses where he might have been, but snowfall following his disappearance held impact on the effort of the search. they had tons of people and dogs looking for months, but eventually had to end the search under the assumption that he fell down a ravine or ditch and his body disappeared under the snow.

take care

 

[SadCryingBunny]

Generally depends on the country and area, but I can almost guarantee a small forest will not be sufficient at all. People go berry picking, mushroom picking and all that other stuff. Also, if there's small forests around your area and you suddenly vanish and are reported missing, police will likely search small forests and hiking trails. That's how it works where I live, at least. The longest it's taken for a person to be found in my country in the recent years was probably 1.5 months.

Take a jet ski and ride far away somewhere remote and dump it in the ocean, swim to shore and continue walking far away somewhere remote. I 1000% guarantee you won't be found for years. Make sure you bring extra fuel. This is my plan. They also can't track you using cameras, your last sight to society is leaving the boat harbour on your jet ski. Make sure you got no phones linked to you that can track your location.