Manhattan Beach Man Missing Hiking in Northern California

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA -- A Manhattan Beach man, who is an experienced hiker, was reported missing after he failed to return from a hike in Northern California, officials said Wednesday.

Robert "Bob" Woodie, 74, who is an experienced hiker, failed to return from his backpacking trip in Kings Canyon National Park on Sunday and the National Park Service was notified Tuesday. Woodie started on his trip last Thursday.

The area where he was hiking experienced some inclement weather during that time, with some areas receiving snow, the NPS said. Overnight temperatures in the area continue to be below freezing, according to the NPS.

Rangers started searching for Woodie on Wednesday using both helicopters and a search-and-rescue team. They plan to continue searching Thursday. Woodie's last known location, based on his satellite message device, Barrett Lakes, southeast of Dusy Basin, the NPS said.

The area is a high sierra alpine environment, between approximately 8,000 and 12,000 feet elevation. The rugged terrain includes areas of forest, alpine lakes, and areas above tree line with talus slopes and rocky mountain passes.

-- Photo courtesy of the NPS