Melbourne Man Remembered for Adventure After Fatal Fall on US Hiking Trail

A Melbourne man who is believed to have fallen to his death while hiking a remote trail in the United States is being remembered for his love for adventure.

Will Standish, 28, had embarked on a hike through the Continental Divide Trail, which spans almost 5,000 kilometres between Mexico and Canada.

He was reported missing by his family after he failed to check in, with his body later discovered by a search and rescue crew last Wednesday, local time.

One friend, Katie Jackson, said Mr Standish "had a uniquely large heart".

She said he had a love for adventure, tiny foster puppies, music, snowboarding, as well as for his family and friends.

"To be around him was to be infused with his unbridled joy for every aspect of life.

"[I am] incredibly grateful to have known Will so well and experienced how his life touched and changed mine."

Reported missing after failing to check-in

American authorities said Mr Standish had started his hike in Canada and was regularly updating his family in Australia via a satellite device.

He had updated his family on July 19, and provided them with details of his planned route.

The last update they received from Mr Standish, according to officials from Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, was four days later.

"The family received a Garmin check-in without coordinates or a message, as well as a video via Facebook Messenger that they believe placed him in the Tetons," officials said.

On July 27, his family contacted park officials raising concerns.

Two days later, on July 29, Teton County Search and Rescue located Mr Standish's body near an area known as the Wigwams on the west slop of the Tetons.

A helicopter had been sent to his last presumed point.

"From the air, the team spotted a bright orange backpack and soon found the subject below the ridge south of North Wigwam Peak," Teton County Search and Rescue said in a statement posted online.

"Evidence suggests that he may have fallen from a steep, high altitude ridgeline that separates Grand Teton National Park and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness."

Mr Standish has been described by fellow hikers as "competent, prepared and experienced".

He was an avid backpacker and climber, according to those who knew him.

Raising funds to bring Mr Standish home

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to Mr Standish's family.

"We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time," a spokesperson said.

"Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment."

Ms Jackson said Mr Standish's family now faced "the immense challenge and financial burden of bringing him back to Australia".

Ms Jackson has set up a crowdfunding page on behalf of Mr Standish's family, which is aiming to raise $US50,000 ($71,000) to assist the family with costs.