Missing Hiker Found Alive After 10 Days Alone In California Forest — Here's How He Survived

In a remarkable tale of survival and resilience, 34-year-old Lukas McClish was found alive after being lost in a California forest for 10 days. McClish reported missing on June 15 and survived by eating berries and drinking water.

“We are grateful to have taken part in the rescue of McClish with the help and support of our mutual aid partners,” Cal Fire’s San Mateo-Santa Cruz unit told KRON.

The Disappearance

Lukas McClish set out for what was supposed to be a brief hiking excursion in the dense forests of Northern California. On June 15, McClish was officially reported missing when he failed to return home. Concerned family members alerted local authorities, sparking an extensive search effort.

The Search Effort

Upon receiving the report of McClish’s disappearance, local authorities quickly mobilized search and rescue teams. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office played a pivotal role in the search, employing advanced technology to aid their efforts. The drone footage was utilized to scan the dense forest from above, providing crucial aerial views of the challenging terrain. A skilled canine unit was also deployed to track McClish’s scent, significantly enhancing the search operation’s effectiveness.

Search teams combed through the forest for 10 days, navigating thick underbrush and steep inclines. Despite the difficulties, they remained determined and focused on their mission.

The Rescue

On June 25, 10 days after he was reported missing, search teams finally located Lukas McClish. The breakthrough came when the drone footage, combined with the keen sense of the canine unit, pinpointed his exact location in a remote forest area. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to his location, where they found McClish alive but understandably weakened from his ordeal.

Rescue agencies confirmed that McClish had no significant injuries. He had managed to sustain himself by eating berries found in the forest and drinking water. His resourcefulness in using available resources was critical to his survival. Once located, McClish was swiftly taken to safety and reunited with his anxious but relieved family.

The news of McClish’s rescue greatly relieved his family, friends, and the local community. The successful outcome was a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the search and rescue teams, whose tireless efforts were instrumental in finding him. McClish’s family expressed profound gratitude to everyone involved.