Search Underway for Missing Hiker in Tehama County

63-year-old William Rayford Horn disappeared in a remote area of northwest Tehama County.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:18pm

A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and green, depicting the rugged, fog-shrouded mountains of Tehama County, conveying a sense of the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment.The search for a missing hiker in Tehama County's remote, mountainous wilderness highlights the region's challenging natural environment.Chico Today

Search efforts are ongoing for missing hiker William Rayford Horn, 63, who disappeared in a remote area of northwest Tehama County and has not been in contact with his family. Horn was last seen on a hiking trail in the region on April 9th.

Why it matters

Tehama County is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, which can pose significant challenges for search and rescue operations, especially when a hiker goes missing in a remote, hard-to-access area. The search for Horn highlights the importance of preparedness and caution when venturing into the region's wilderness.

The details

William Rayford Horn, 63, was reported missing after he failed to return from a hiking trip in northwest Tehama County on April 9th. Search and rescue teams from multiple agencies have been scouring the area, but Horn's current whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities have not yet determined what may have led to Horn's disappearance.

  • William Rayford Horn was last seen on a hiking trail in northwest Tehama County on April 9th.
  • Search efforts for Horn began immediately after he was reported missing on April 9th and are ongoing.

The players

William Rayford Horn

A 63-year-old hiker who went missing in a remote area of Tehama County.

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What’s next

Search and rescue teams will continue combing the rugged terrain of Tehama County in an effort to locate William Rayford Horn and determine what may have led to his disappearance.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of proper preparation and caution when hiking in remote, mountainous areas like Tehama County, where search and rescue operations can be extremely challenging. It also highlights the need for hikers to always inform others of their plans and maintain regular communication.