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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On October 8, 2026, at approximately 7:11 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Emergency Communications Center received a request for assistance from California State Parks regarding a 66-year-old hiker visiting the area from Colorado who was overdue and reported lost near the Ossagon Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park near Orick.

HCSO patrol deputies responded to assist California State Parks rangers with the search. The hiker had been dropped off at the trailhead by a family member at approximately 1:15 p.m. When the family member had not heard from him by 6:00 p.m., they became concerned due to a medical condition requiring medication. The family member had also received a text message from the hiker indicating he was lost. Because cellular service was unavailable in the area, the family member left to find service and called 9-1-1 to request assistance.

After initial search efforts were unsuccessful, the HCSO Special Services Unit was dispatched at approximately 9:43 p.m. to assist with a coordinated search and rescue operation.

On October 9, at approximately 2:05 a.m., members of the HCSO Special Services Unit located the hiker safe and in good condition. He did not require medical attention. Due to the challenging terrain, search and rescue personnel spent several hours hiking him out of the area. Once safely out, he was reunited with his family.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office thanks California State Parks personnel for their assistance and coordination throughout the search, as well as NORCOM and the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for their support during the search and rescue operation.