Hiker Rescued in Bald Hills After Garmin SOS Activation, Hypothermia Suspected

Humboldt County search and rescue teams located a 19-year-old male hiker at 9:28 a.m. on January 8, 2026, after his Garmin SOS device activated while he was on the Redwood Creek Trail in the Bald Hills area. Responders found the hiker displaying signs consistent with hypothermia; emergency medical personnel transported him to a local hospital for treatment.

The response involved Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies, the department’s Special Services Unit, California State Parks personnel, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteers including a K-9 team, and a drone. The sheriff’s office highlighted the effectiveness of the Garmin SOS device in directing responders to the hiker’s location and thanked partner agencies and volunteer SAR members for their roles in the rescue.

The incident underscores both the hazards of winter backcountry travel in Humboldt County and the reliance on coordinated interagency and volunteer assets to reach stranded recreational users. Weather and terrain in the Bald Hills can produce rapid temperature changes and increased risk of hypothermia, making preparedness and rapid notification tools critical for anyone hiking there this time of year.

For residents, the rescue is a reminder to carry an emergency locator or personal locator beacon, dress for cold and wet conditions, and share trip plans with a trusted contact before entering remote trails. The successful use of a Garmin SOS device in this case demonstrates how such technology can shorten search times and improve survivability when combined with trained ground and aerial resources.

The sheriff’s office also used its release to invite community members to consider joining the volunteer search and rescue team. Humboldt County relies on trained volunteers to supplement professional responders during searches and rescues across the county’s rugged landscape. Those interested in supporting local emergency response are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office for information on training and volunteer opportunities.

This incident highlights the local value of personal preparedness, interagency coordination, and volunteer service in keeping Humboldt County’s outdoor recreation both accessible and safer for the public.