In the late evening hours of July 20, 2025, the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) and RAVEN (Regional Aviation Enforcement Unit) to support an ongoing effort to locate an overdue hiker and his dog in a remote area east of Lassen National Park.
The subject, an experienced hiker, had contacted his wife earlier that day, stating he had become disoriented and was unable to find his way back to his base camp. Shortly after that call, he could no longer be reached due to battery life. Lassen County Sheriff’s Office and partners began conducting a search.
Due to the rugged terrain and wilderness restrictions prohibiting motorized vehicles, aerial support was requested to enhance the speed and effectiveness of the search. The man had been missing for more than 24 hours when WCSO RAVEN was requested.
At first light the following morning, WCSO deployed RAVEN 2, an OH-58 Kiowa helicopter, to the designated search area. After approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes of aerial searching, the RAVEN 2 crew successfully located the missing subject and his dog, both alive.
Due to dense vegetation and unsafe wind conditions, RAVEN 2 was unable to land. With no means of direct communication, the crew dropped a supply package containing food, water, and a written message. The hiker retrieved the package and signaled for help by waving his arms.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office commends the skill, professionalism, and teamwork demonstrated by the RAVEN Unit, our Incident Management Team, and our partners in Lassen County that lead to the safe recovery of the subject and his dog.
If you or someone you are with becomes injured or lost in the wilderness, call 911 immediately. Search and Rescue services are always free, and early notifications help us respond faster and safer.
