Humboldt Co. Sheriff’s Press Release:

On 01-06-2013, approximately 4:00 p.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 cell phone call from hiker Sara Nielsen, 21 years old from Eureka, stating that she and her two friends had been hiking for six hours in the Headwaters Trail area, they had hiked off the trail and were now lost.

Sara told the dispatcher they had a little food and water left, and had about half the battery life left on their cell phone. The hikers were wearing shorts and were wet and cold. The dispatcher was able to obtain GPS Coordinates for the lost hikers from the cell phone and a search and rescue was initiated. The GPS Coordinates revealed the hikers were now approximately 3 miles from Hookton Road and US 101.

Humboldt County Sheriff Search and Rescue Deputies and volunteers responded to the scene. At approximately 12:00 midnight the hikers were located. They were all in good health other than being cold and wet, and did not need medical assistance. The other two hikers were identified as Jason Blum, 23 years old and Lucas Sams, 28 years old, who were also from Eureka.

The Sheriffs Office would like to remind hikers to tell family and friends where they are hiking, when they expect to return, bring appropriate equipment and clothing. This time of year the weather conditions can change rapidly. Wet and cold weather can cause hypothermia. A cell phone, map or GPS is also very helpful. Keep in mind not all rural areas have cell phone coverage and cell phone batteries need to be fully charged.