Lucas McClish, a hiker from Boulder Creek, California, was found alive after being lost in the mountains for 10 days. He went missing on June 11 after heading out for what was supposed to be a short hike. His family reported him missing on June 16 when he didn’t return for Father’s Day dinner. Thankfully, he was located by a search team on June 21.
CAL FIRE CZU Strike Team 9170C ???? is still assigned to the #PointFire in @CountyofSonom. Firefighters have been mopping up in the Pena Creek drainage. They are supporting @CALFIRELNU.
The firefighters are happy ????, ready for the next assignment and all are doing well! ???? pic.twitter.com/grn5axcbpK— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) June 23, 2024
The Santa Cruz County Office announced his rescue on Facebook, mentioning that the search efforts intensified after his family reported him missing. Within just four days, search teams found him, thanks to reports from locals who heard cries for help near Foreman Creek off Big Basin Highway on June 20.
“Deputies, along with State Parks, Cal Fire, and Boulder Creek Fire Department, confirmed it was Lucas McClish, missing since June 11,” stated the County office.
Cal Fire, part of the search operation, shared that multiple witnesses reported hearing cries for help, making it challenging to pinpoint McClish’s exact location. The Sheriff’s office expressed gratitude for everyone involved in the successful rescue effort.
During his 10 days in the wilderness, McClish survived without food and with limited water, which raised questions about how he managed. In an interview with ABC 7, he explained, “I made sure to drink a gallon of water daily, but eventually, my body needed food.” He kept hydrated by storing water in his boots.
McClish recounted his experience to KSBW, saying, “I wandered up and down canyons in search of waterfalls, where I’d drink water from my boot.” He sustained himself with wild berries and rested on wet leaves while calling out for help. He humorously told the New York Post, “After the first five days, all I could think about was burritos and taco bowls.”
He had set out that day with only pants, hiking shoes, folding scissors, a flashlight, and a hat, expecting a brief hike. Reflecting on the ordeal, he called it a humbling experience and joked that he’s probably done enough hiking for the rest of the year.