'Experienced' hiker disappears in Northern California mountains, search underway

Daniel Komins, a hiker who went missing in Northern California's Trinity Alps. Daniel Komins, a hiker who went missing in Northern California's Trinity Alps. Photo: Trinity County Sheriff's Office Photo: Trinity County Sheriff's Office Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close 'Experienced' hiker disappears in Northern California mountains, search underway 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Authorities are searching for a missing hiker in Northern California who hasn't been seen since August 11.

According to the Trinity County Sheriff's Office, 34-year-old Daniel Komins is an "experienced" hiker who embarked on a five-day solo trip to the Trinity Alps, about 75 miles northwest of Redding.

Komins is an emergency medical technician, and was reported missing by his girlfriend on August 14 after failing to return home. Officials said Komins is an EMT, and had a cellphone and GPS tracker with him.

He used his cellphone on August 11 to contact his girlfriend, but the device "has seen no activity" since then. The sheriff's office said his GPS tracker is "not presently operating appropriately" either.

Authorities have been searching for Komins for two days, but have yet to locate him. His unoccupied vehicle was found on Thursday, and other backpackers in the mountains said they saw him on August 11.

Based on the information provided by other backpackers, search teams have expanded their search into additional areas since officials believe Komins may have deviated from his initial itinerary.

Over 40 ground searchers and multiple helicopter teams conducted searches for Komins on Friday, and efforts will continue Saturday.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information is made available.

Eric Ting is an SFGATE staff writer. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com | Twitter:@_ericting