El Dorado Search and Rescue

07/14/2026

This past weekend we deployed a K9 team to the Desolation Wilderness as part of a continuing search operation.

A huge thank you to Echo Lake Chalet for providing boat transportation across Echo Lakes. Their support helps our search teams conserve energy for the long miles and challenging terrain—making a real difference in our ability to focus on the mission.

We also appreciate the continued partnership with Tahoe Search and Rescue throughout this operation.

So That Others May Live.

07/07/2026

ANOTHER LIFE.
ANOTHER MISSION.

This past 4th of July weekend, we received reports of a missing person. That night, we deployed a K9 team and began preparing for a large-scale search the next day.
Monday's operation involved multiple resources working together— ground teams, OHV, drones, K9, and our Incident Support Team.
In the early afternoon, we located the subject and were able to reunite her with her family. Thank you to our volunteers, partner agencies, and the community for your continued support.

05/31/2026

Our volunteers remain actively engaged in the ongoing search for Jason Coughran alongside an incredible team of search and rescue professionals and volunteers from across California and Nevada.

We are grateful for the continued support of our partner agencies, community members, businesses, and the many volunteers dedicating their time and expertise to this effort. Search and Rescue is truly a team endeavor, and the collaboration being demonstrated on this mission is remarkable.

Please continue to keep Jason and his family in your thoughts and share official updates from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.

05/27/2026

El Dorado Search and Rescue Team is assisting in the ongoing search for overdue hiker Jason Coughran in the Desolation Wilderness.

If you were in the Desolation Wilderness / Fallen Leaf Lake / Angora Peak area on or after May 25th and may have seen Jason, please contact the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.

Please share to help us reach the outdoor community.

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office needs your help. Our staff are actively working a search and rescue in Desolation Wilderness with Search and Rescue staff. We are currently searching for an overdue subject, Jason Coughran. Jason is described as a white male adult, he is 60 years old, 6'02" in height and 150 pounds. He has brown hair, hazel eyes, and has an athletic build. He was hiking into Desolation Wilderness from Fallen Leaf Lake. He is believed to be wearing khaki shorts, but unknown clothing for certain. He was last heard from at approximately 4:00 pm on May 25th, 2026. If you were hiking in the area, and came across Jason, please contact the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office at: 530-621-6600 or 530-573-3051.

Please know that the weather can be unpredictable in the high elevations. Please plan accordingly when venturing in the wilderness.

05/23/2026

With spring weather here and summer right around the corner, we wanted to give a friendly reminder before the holiday weekend.

We love the outdoors.

We love meeting new people.

We just don’t love meeting you in the middle of the night because you forgot a flashlight.

Before you head out, pack the 10 Essentials (yes… ):
🧭 Navigation – Map + Compass ,GPS (or a phone with offline app)
🔦 Flash Light – And no your phone flashlight doesn’t count
🧴 Sun protection – Because sunburn is overrated
🩹 First aid – Blisters happen, so does other things
🔪 Knife / multi-tool – MacGyver skills encouraged
🔥 Fire Starter – Rubbing sticks together is harder than it looks
🏕 Shelter – Emergency Bivy or Tarp, Hoodie ≠ shelter
🍫 Extra food – Gas station snacks don’t count, and dont leave it in your car for the bears
💧 Extra water – You’ll need more than you think
🧥 Extra clothing – Weather doesn’t care about your plans

Search and Rescue will always come if you need us.

We’d just rather meet you on the trail… not on a rescue.

03/14/2026

Trail Talk with El Dorado Search and Rescue.

Ever wondered what really happens when someone needs rescue in the backcountry? 🚁

Join us at South of North Brewing Co. for Beers & Backcountry Rescue with El Dorado Search and Rescue. Hear real stories from the field and learn how preparation can make all the difference when heading into the mountains.

📍 South of North Brewing Co. – South Lake Tahoe
🗓 Wednesday, March 25
⏰ 6–8 PM

Grab a drink, bring a friend, and come learn something new. Visit tahoerimtrail.org/event/trail-talk to RSVP.

02/24/2026

Neck Injury on Waterhouse Peak 2/1/2026

02/19/2026

Many people stuck up on MET last few days. Many individuals and organizations responded. Thanks that all have returned safely.