Two hikers have been found dead after taking a trail on Sauk Mountain.

Gary Idleburg, 66, and Peter Kalapaca, 78, were both hiking in Washington over the weekend when they slipped and fell to their deaths.

The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office received several calls reporting that an individual had fallen from a switchback trail near Concrete at around 3.30pm local time on September 19, according to a press release.

That hiker is now identified as 66-year-old Gary Idleburg of Olympia.

Due to the secluded area and rocky landscape where Idleburg fell, Skagit County Search and Rescue required assistance from Washington State Parks staff and helicopter support to carry out the recovery operation.

The Sheriff's Office also responded to a call on September 17 from family members claiming a hiker had become separated from his group on a trail.

Witnesses estimated that Idleburg fell between 800 and 1,000 feet after going 'over the edge of the trail,' according to the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office. 

A 24-hour search-and-rescue operation was launched to locate the missing hiker. 

Ground crews, aerial Support and scent-tracking dog units were all involved in the mountain rescue search.

Police reported that a helicopter located Kalapaca, who was unresponsive and had died by the time he was found. 

The hiker has been identified as 78-year-old Peter Kalapaca.

Idleburg was a well-loved man, and community members and coworkers took to social media to share memories of him.

He was an advocate for prisoners; he spent nearly five years teaching classes at the Black Prisoners Caucus.

The Black Prisoners Caucus is a multi-chapter organization formed by incarcerated individuals.

Idleburg also volunteered at a local radio station, KSER 90.7 FM, where he produced a monthly broadcast focused on prison reform and the criminal justice system called ‘America's Disappeared.’

Idleburg was also a judo sensei at Budokan Judo Dojo, where he competed and coached others in the craft.

‘Gary was always one of my favorite people to hang out with at tournaments,’ said his former colleague, Johann Muller.

‘Back in the day, I loved competing with him. We had some of the best matches. Glad I got to hang out with him at the last Obukan tournament. I'll miss him.'

Kalapaca was a loved father and husband. He is remembered as adventurous and fun.

His son, Andy Kalapaca, shared a few heartwarming words on Facebook, writing, ‘ He was experienced. His age, I'm certain, played a role and only more so reinforces to always hike with others at whatever age.’

‘We are fortunate he didn't suffer and that his last steps were doing something he very much enjoyed rather than a hospice bed,' he added.

At least five hikers have died on the Sauk Mountain Trail in Washington state over the last decade.

The Skagit County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to the victims' families.