Name: Margaret “Elaine” McKinley
Age: 79 years old
Last Seen: May 1, 2025
Location: Portola Valley, California
Status: Still missing
Case Information
79 year old Margaret “Elaine” McKinley was last seen on May 1, 2025 in Portola Valley, California. McKinley, who has dementia, was last seen hiking the Lost Trail in the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve.
Background
Originally from Texas, McKinley moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in search of more opportunities.
Between 1968-1970, she served in the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa. Before retiring, she was vice president of a corporation that manufactures medical equipment.
McKinley has dementia, and has lived in Redwood City for about 45 years.
Disappearance
On May 1, 2025, Margaret McKinley was last seen hiking the Lost Trail in the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, located in Portola Valley, California.
About a quarter mile into their hike, Margaret got separated from her family. She hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
At approximately 2:00 pm, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District was alerted by the Sheriff’s Office of a missing hiker and requested assistance in search and rescue efforts.
Investigation
Searches of the 1400 acre reserve have been conducted with the help of more than 500 volunteers, but unfortunately no further clues as to McKinley’s whereabouts have been found.
According to a statement from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, the search has covered approximately 3,000 miles tracked on ground by car and on foot.
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office is asking all residents who live near the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve to check their cameras starting on Thursday, May 1 at 10 am and to report this information though an online form: https://bit.ly/camera-assistance-request. Any sightings, or lack of sightings on camera footage will help aid in the search.
Appearance
79 year old female white female with grey hair.
Clothing & Accessories:
Margaret was last seen wearing a red jacket and black pants.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Margaret McKinley please contact the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at (650) 363-4911.
Resources & Further Information
Crews Focusing on Possible Gaps in Search for Missing 79 Year Old San Mateo County Hiker – ABC7 News
Woman Disappears in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, Search Extends Into Fifth Day – Palo Alto Daily Post
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Asks Residents to Check Cameras For Missing Hiker – NBC Bay Area
Friends Remain Hopeful Missing Redwood City Hiker Will Soon Be Found – RWC Pulse
Do NOT keep this out the news media for even one single day!!! WHAT are the speculations and relative aspects of those possibilities? I for one (inquiring & anxious mind) he MUST know that she HAS survived—And if not, WHEN found, did she die from natural torture (weather, no food & water). Or by the torture of animals OR OMG NO! —by Another evil, sadistic “human” animal? OMG the fear & terror she may have felt whatever happened. I have no words. Plus her loved ones…Just heart wrenching all around!
With so much reporting on this disappearance it’s a shame that more useful information hasn’t been provided, such as location where Ms. McKinley was last seen and direction of travel. There are nearby parks as well—were they searched, too? The Lost Trail extends for about 2 miles with a couple of points where Skyline Blvd is easily accessible; just saying she was last seen on that long a stretch of trail isn’t very helpful. I hope the searchers were given better information.