A 24-year-old Everett man was found alive and cold but none the worse for wear after spending the night in the elements near North Bend.

The hunter had become separated from his party and gotten lost in the dark by the time his hunting partner called the U.S. Forest Service, just before 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, on Hancock Timber Resouce Group property. The forest service notified King County Sheriff’s Department, and a search began.

The missing hunter was dressed warmly, but not for overnight conditions. He did not carry a cell phone, food or water.

He hunkered down in a tree well, and was found about 8 a.m. Monday, walking on a logging road.

“It’s almost like a Christmas miracle,” stated Sheriff’s spokesman John Urquhart.