SEATTLE - Authorities in Snohomish County began to search an area on Mount Pilchuck  where two hikers reported finding what they believe are skeletal human remains.

The two 19-year-old men reported they spotted a body Tuesday afternoon. Law enforcement sources said the remains were located at the bottom of a waterfall and would have been covered by snow if not for the long, dry summer.

“It is going to be a difficult task but again we need to get out there and either confirm or dispel this information,” said Rich Niebusch of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Department.

A helicopter will take equipment up the mountain where detectives will process the scene over the next few days.

The find would be a few miles north, as the crow flies, from another disturbing discovery near Mount Pilchuck this summer. Mary Cooper and Susanna Stodden were shot to death while hiking on the Pinnacle Lake trail.

Their killer or killers have not been found.

Authorities don't think the possible remains are related to the murder but they are looking at past missing persons cases.