The Disappearance of Margaret Elaine McKinley
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. 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.
