Search Continues for Missing Manhattan Beach Hiker Robert 'Bob' Woodie

KING CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, CA -- As the search for a Manhattan Beach hiker missing since Saturday continues, park officials are requesting that any hiker who was in the search area since Thursday, Oct. 13, to reach out with information.

Robert "Bob" Woodie was reported missing after not returning from a four-day backpacking trip into the wilderness of Kings Canyon National Park.

“Even if they do not think they saw Mr. Woodie, information about where he wasn't seen is also very important in directing our search efforts,” said Rich Browne, Incident Commander for the search and rescue operation. “All information is helpful to our investigation. We currently have over 60 personnel and two helicopters assigned to the search incident.”

Woodie's intended route of travel may have been from South Lake, outside Bishop into the park via Bishop Pass starting on Thursday, Oct. 13, park officials said. He was possibly at Barrett Lakes, southeast of Dusy Basin, on the evening of Saturday, based on an electronic check-in message received from his satellite message device, the NPS said.

The area experienced some inclement weather during this timeframe, with some areas above about 10,500 feet receiving snow. Overnight temperatures continue to be below freezing.

Woodie is an experienced hiker who is familiar with the area, officials said. He was possibly carrying a blue shell type jacket, baseball cap or floppy hat and boots, according to the NPS. He is reported to have an internal frame backpack, possibly blue in color.

-- Photo courtesy of the NPS