Lukas McClish (age 34, born in 1989) is a hiker from Boulder Creek, went missing on June 11, 2023, after heading out for a three-hour hike in Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
His plan was inspired by a friend’s mention of a granite outcropping, but he didn’t inform anyone of his exact route and only carried minimal supplies.
When McClish didn’t attend Father’s Day dinner, he was declared missing on June 16. What was intended to be a brief hike turned into a harrowing experience as he spent nine cold nights lost in the mountains. The landmarks he relied on had been obliterated by fires, leaving him disoriented.
A massive search effort was launched, involving around 300 people and various emergency personnel. The search ended successfully with the help of a dog. McClish survived 10 days in the Santa Cruz Mountains, resorting to drinking a gallon of water from his boot the day before his rescue.
Reflecting on his ordeal, McClish said, “I left with a pair of pants, my hiking shoes, a hat, a flashlight, and a pair of folding scissors like a Leatherman tool— and that was about it.”
McClish goes missing on June 11, 2024
Lukas McClish from Boulder Creek disappeared on June 11, 2024. He was last spotted on foot near Saint Francis Drive. Lukas lives on the 13000 block of West Park Drive in Boulder Creek.
He was wearing all-black clothing at the time. Lukas is around 6 feet tall, weighs 190 pounds, and has blue eyes and blonde hair.
Lukas McClish is found safe
Hiker Lukas McClish was lost for 10 days in the Santa Cruz Mountains and survived by drinking a gallon of water from his boot before being rescued.
McClish started his hike with only pants, hiking shoes, a hat, a flashlight, and a folding tool like a Leatherman. Expecting a short hike, he packed light. He drank plenty of water each day but needed more food and sustenance as time passed.
Using his boot, he drank water from waterfalls and ate wild berries. He slept on wet leaves and called out for help, often dreaming of a burrito and taco bowl after the first five days.
Navigating was tough because recent wildfires had wiped out landmarks. Multiple agencies searched for him, and although people heard his calls for help, finding his exact location was challenging. He was eventually found in Big Basin State Park.
McClish was sore and had lost his voice but wasn’t seriously injured. He felt grateful when he saw the boot and paw prints of first responders, describing the experience as humbling and awesome.
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Lukas McClish FAQs
Ques: When was Lukas McClish’s found alive?
Ans: Lukas was found safe on Thursday, June 20.
Ques: What is Lucas McLeish’s Height?
Ans: McLeish is 6 feet tall.
Ques: What is Lukas McClish’s age?
Ans: McClish is 34 years old.