The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is leading an intensive search for 60-year-old hiker Jason Coughran, who was last heard from at about 4:00 p.m. on May 25, 2026 in Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe. More than 100 trained personnel are reportedly involved, using footprint trackers and scent dogs across the rugged 63,960-acre area. Coughran is described as roughly 6'2" and 150 lbs and may have been wearing khaki shorts and a blue-and-white long-sleeve shirt. Anyone with information should call 530-621-6600 or 530-573-3051.
Authorities Intensify Search for Missing Hiker Jason Coughran Near Lake Tahoe
A 60-year-old hiker, Jason Coughran, has been missing since about 4:00 p.m. on May 25, 2026, prompting an intensive search in the backcountry around Lake Tahoe.
Search Effort Underway
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office says search-and-rescue teams are actively working in Desolation Wilderness. Officials and local volunteers report more than 100 trained personnel are involved in the operation, using footprint trackers, scent-detection dogs and systematic grid searches to comb the rugged terrain during daylight hours.
Coughran is described as being 6’2″ and 150 pounds with brown hair, hazel eyes, and an athletic build. El Dorado County Sheriff's Office
“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,” the office said.
Description and Possible Clothing
Physical Description: Coughran is described as approximately 6 ft 2 in tall and weighing about 150 lbs, with brown hair, hazel eyes and an athletic build. Authorities say he may have been wearing khaki shorts and a blue-and-white long-sleeve shirt when he disappeared.
Tips, Leads and Local Reports
A woman identifying herself as a friend of Coughran’s, Rachel, posted on Reddit that she has photos taken by him near Angora Lake and is attempting to locate him via his Apple Watch. She emphasized she is staying off the trails to avoid contaminating potential evidence so search teams can collect crucial data.
It’s unclear what he was wearing at the time of his disappearance. Officials believe he may have worn khaki shorts and a blue and white long-sleeve shirt. KCRA 3
Weather reports cited by the San Francisco Chronicle indicate conditions shifted from calm to windier and colder after Coughran was last seen—factors that can complicate search and rescue operations and reduce the time windows for scent-detection teams.
Terrain and Challenges
Desolation Wilderness spans 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine forest with granitic peaks and glacially formed valleys and lakes, terrain that presents serious navigational and physical challenges for searchers.
“They have trackers looking for footprints, scent dogs- the less traffic these areas get, the higher likelihood we have of finding a clue as to where he may have gone.” Yusun – stock.adobe.com
What To Do If You Have Information: Anyone who was hiking in the area on May 25 or who believes they may have seen Jason should contact the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 530-621-6600 or 530-573-3051. Providing even small details—time, location, or photos—can be critical to the investigation.
Authorities continue to search during daylight hours and urge anyone with relevant information to come forward promptly.
Help us improve.
