Lost and Found: Lukas McClish

After ten days lost in the Santa Cruz Mountains, hiker Lukas McClish was found alive, surviving with minimal gear and remarkable determination.

Lost hiker Lukas McClish, 34, is reunited with his family via Steve Kuehl (AP)

BOULDER CREEK — In June 2024, 34-year-old Lukas McClish from Boulder Creek, California, embarked on what was originally intended to be a brief three-hour hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Unbeknownst to him, this journey would turn into a harrowing 10-day fight for survival that captivated the Bay Area.

On June 11, McClish set out for a hike, equipped with minimal gear: a pair of pants, hiking shoes, a hat, a flashlight, and a folding multi-tool. Since he planned only a short trip, he didn’t notify anyone—a frequent oversight among hikers who go missing. On his venture, McClish had failed to consider that the aftermath of recent wildfires had altered the once familiar landscape. Ash had replaced important landmarks, leading him off of his usual course.

When McClish failed to appear for a planned Father's Day dinner on June 16, his family grew concerned and reported him missing. This ordeal initiated a comprehensive search operation involving drones, local fire departments, and state park officials. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office coordinated the efforts, focusing on the dense and rugged terrain of Big Basin State Park.

Throughout his days in the wilderness, McClish had no choice but to rely on his resourcefulness. The experienced hiker managed to stay hydrated by drinking water from creeks and sought shelter under the forest canopy. Despite environmental challenges, he remained determined to find his way back.

Finally, on June 20, his location was pinpointed after residents in the Braemoor neighborhood of Bonny Doon reported hearing calls for help emanating from the canyon below. Responding to the calls, rescue teams located McClish and brought him to safety. He was found to be in surprisingly good health, with no major injuries, though he was understandably fatigued and had lost his voice from shouting for days.

McClish's rescue was a profound relief to not only his family, but the community that aided in organized search efforts. His story is a sobering reminder of the unforgiving nature of the wilderness and how far determination and effort can go into bringing someone home.

Vanished SF: To support future search and recovery efforts like the one that helped bring Lukas McClish home, consider making a donation to California Recovery Divers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to locating missing persons and providing closure for families.