On Jan. 3, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received notification from the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) regarding a Garmin SOS Activation from a 19-year-old male hiker last known to be in the Bald Hills area near the Redwood Creek Trail in Orick. 

HCSO patrol deputies, the Sheriff’s Office Special Services Unit, California State Parks and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team, including a search K-9 responded to the scene and conducted a coordinated ground search with the assistance of a drone. The hiker was located at 9:28 a.m. and exhibited signs consistent with Hypothermia.

Emergency medical responded to the scene and transported the hiker to a local hospital, where he was treated. 

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to its volunteer SAR team.   Their quick response, coordination, professionalism and dedication were instrumental in the successful outcome of this rescue.

HCSO also wants to thank our partner agencies for their response and support in this rescue operation, including California State Parks, Orick Volunteer Fire Department, Cal Fire, Cal OES and the Arcata Mad River Ambulance. 

When a Garmin SOS is activated, the device transmits an emergency alert and GPS location via satellite to the Garmin International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC), which coordinates with local and state emergency agencies to initiate a response. The hiker’s possession and activation of this device was a critical component in aiding in his rescue. 

If you are interested in joining the Sheriff’s Volunteer Search and Rescue Team, please visit HumboldtSAR.org

  Photo of HCSO SAR team