February 2026

 by SMR Staff

Seattle Mountain Rescue: Everyone Comes Home

Outdoor recreation in Washington state continues to grow, drawing residents and visitors of all ages into our mountains, forests, and waterways. With more people exploring wild places than ever before, the need for skilled backcountry rescue has never been greater.

No one sets out on an adventure expecting it to go wrong. Yet nearly every experienced outdoor enthusiast can recall a moment when an unforeseen accident, rapidly changing weather, or a simple misstep could have turned serious. Emergencies often arise from a combination of factors — some completely beyond our control. That’s when Seattle Mountain Rescue (SMR) is called into action.

When things go wrong — when daylight fades, weather turns, or an injury strikes — a call or text to 911 can set in motion one of the Pacific Northwest’s most capable rescue responses. The King County Sheriff’s Office can deploy SMR within minutes to help bring people home safely — with no charge for services.

Who We Are
Seattle Mountain Rescue is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under Mountain Rescue Council. We are run by dedicated, highly trained volunteers who respond under the authority of the King County Sheriff’s Office and collaborate with other units through our association memberships with MRA (Mountain Rescue Association) and KCSARA (King County Search and Rescue Association). We do not charge for our services.
Founded in 1948, SMR is one of the oldest volunteer mountain rescue teams in the United States and a trusted partner in the region’s emergency response system.

A Vital, 24/7 Lifeline in the Backcountry
Seattle Mountain Rescue responds to more than 100 missions every year, in every season, at any hour, and across some of the most rugged and remote terrain in the region. Whether it’s a hiker stranded on a cliffside, a backpacker injured on a steep trail, a skier hurt deep in the backcountry, or a climber caught in a sudden storm, one thing remains constant:
Our mission — Everyone comes home from the backcountry.

Training, Skill, and Commitment
SMR is a 100% volunteer organization made up of experienced alpinists, search specialists, medical professionals, communications experts, and support volunteers. These individuals donate countless hours both on missions and in preparation.
Each year, SMR volunteers collectively invest thousands of hours in training — honing advanced rope and rigging techniques, wilderness medicine, navigation, communications, and physical conditioning. This deep commitment to preparation, teamwork, and safety makes SMR one of the most capable and experienced volunteer mountain rescue teams in the nation.

Beyond Rescue: Safety Through Education
SMR believes the best rescue is the one that never has to happen. We are deeply committed to outdoor safety education, helping outdoor enthusiasts make informed decisions before they ever need to call for help. From trip planning and weather awareness to backcountry risk management, our outreach helps strengthen the entire outdoor community.

Our Funding, Your Support
As a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, SMR depends on community support to remain ready, equipped, and trained for every mission. For every $1.00 donated, 85¢ goes directly to program expenses — keeping rescuers prepared with the gear, training, and technology needed to respond safely and effectively, no matter the conditions.

We Need Your Support
By supporting Seattle Mountain Rescue, you’re not just funding rescue operations — you’re helping save lives and bring loved ones home.
Learn more or donate today at www.seattlemountainrescue.org
We gratefully accept:
Cash and checks
Donor Advised Fund (DAF) contributions
Appreciated stocks
Estate plan gifts
Every contribution sustains our mission of saving lives so that “Everyone comes home from the backcountry.” Make a donation now.

in Uncategorized 0 comments
 by SMR Staff

Cold Water, Quick Thinking, and Community Ensure Snowshoer Made it Home Safely

Winter travel in the mountains is beautiful — and unforgiving.

A mission near Source Lake shows how quickly things can change, and how preparation, fast action, and teamwork make all the difference.

About The Mission

A snowshoer set out alone on the winter route from the Upper Alpental Parking Lot at Snoqualmie Pass while other family members skied nearby. Spending time alone in nature gives our mental health a boost, we have recommended safety tips for traveling in the back county on our website. Along the trail, she reached a creek crossing — a log buried under several feet of snow.

Halfway across, she lost her balance and fell!

She landed flat and was fully submerged, soaking all of her clothing in freezing water. Although she was able to stand up, she couldn’t climb the seven-foot snow wall lining the creek. Standing in the water, she made a critical decision:

She called 911 immediately.

Even though her phone displayed “SOS only,” the call connected to dispatch. Her location data came through — a key factor in speeding up the rescue.

A member of Seattle Mountain Rescue was skiing at Snoqualmie Pass when the page from the King County Sheriff’s Office came out. Luckily he had his rescue gear in his car and arrived first to the command post. A passing backcountry skier stopped, helped her out of the creek, gave her a warm jacket, and stayed with her. By then she was violently shivering, an early and serious sign of hypothermia. Cold water immersion can lead to hypothermia much faster than people expect, even in otherwise mild winter weather. The Good Samaritan began helping her walk toward the trailhead, which is where the SMR team member met up with them. When the command vehicle arrived at base, the base operations leader kept it running to be able to provide the snowshoer with a warm environment. Shortly thereafter family arrived with dry clothing to change into.

A Reminder for Winter Travelers – Even short outings require preparation:
Carry the 10 Essentials, including extra insulating layers
Be cautious at snow-covered creek crossings
Avoid traveling alone when possible
Call for help early if something goes wrong

What Made The Difference
She called early
A Good Samaritan helped
Location data from cell phone
Warm vehicle near by
Dry clothes

When in doubt reach out

Seattle Mountain Rescue is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit SAR unit that responds under the authority of the Sheriff’s Office providing rescue services free of charge, thanks to community support and donors — and the best rescue is the one you never need.

in Mission Reports 0 comments
 by SMR Staff

Anatomy of a Search and Rescue Mission

As you’re planning your time outdoors, whether exploring the beautiful backcountry via hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, camping, trail running, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, etc. – Even when you carry the 10 Essentials, emergencies can still happen. Here’s what typically occurs during a mountain rescue: 

  • An injury or emergency happens in the backcountry.
     If something feels wrong or unsafe and you can’t turn around, don’t wait — reach out for help. Early calls make rescues safer and faster.
  • Call or text 911.
     Your information is relayed to the local Sheriff’s Office, which coordinates all search and rescue missions.
  • The Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Deputy contacts Seattle Mountain Rescue (SMR).
  • The mission is quickly evaluated and launched.
     Within minutes, volunteer rescuers begin mobilizing. Leaders assess:

    • Location
    • Weather and terrain
    • Nature of the injury or emergency
    • Resources needed
  • Teams respond to the trailhead and deploy into the field.
     Rescuers travel to the closest access point and then hike or travel overland to reach the person(s) in need. Team size varies. Sometimes a full team is needed; other times, a single highly qualified rescuer may be sent ahead if speed is critical.
  • Rescuers locate, assess, and treat the patient.
     Care is often provided on scene, and a safe evacuation plan is made.
  • Evacuation to safety.
     Depending on conditions, evacuation may occur by:

    • Helicopter
    • Ground transport (litter carry, assisted walking, or other methods)
       All patients are brought to the trailhead or a safe transfer point for further medical care.

It is important to note that a typical rescue mission can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. It may take an hour or more before rescue teams can reach you.

SMR’s rescue services are provided free of charge, made possible by community support and donors like you.

What to Do While You’re Waiting for Help

If you find yourself in the mountains with an injury, whether yours or someone in your party, be sure to follow the below recommendations:

  • Stay calm and stay put.
     You’ve contacted the Sheriff’s Office and rescue teams are on the way. The best thing you can do now is conserve your energy and avoid unnecessary movement.
  • Do NOT try to hike out or “meet” rescuers.
     Stay where you are — even if you think help might be nearby. Moving makes you harder to find and can make injuries worse.
  • If someone is injured, stay with them.
     Do not leave an injured person to look for help. Rescuers are coming to your reported location.
  • Make yourself easy to see.
     Help rescuers spot you:

    • Move to an open area if it’s safe
    • Lay out items on the ground to create contrast, preferably brightly colored and/or reflective
    • If you can, wave or use reflective items when you hear aircraft or voices
  • Assess the situation.
     Take a moment to calmly figure out:

    • Who is injured or unwell
    • What supplies you have
    • Immediate risks (weather, falling rocks, water, etc.)
  1. Give first aid if needed.
     Treat serious bleeding, keep injured people still, and make everyone as comfortable as possible.
  2. Protect against the environment.
     Exposure is one of the biggest dangers.

    • Stay warm, dry, and out of the wind
    • Put on extra layers
    • Use insulation from the ground
    • Ration food and water, but do drink fluids
  • Listen and signal.
     Rescuers may approach on foot, by helicopter, or with drones.

    • Listen carefully for voices, aircraft, or equipment
    • Respond by shouting, waving, or signaling
  1. Keep a whistle ready.
     Every person — especially children — should have a whistle within reach.
     Three short whistle blasts = signal for help. Repeat as needed.

These simple actions can make a critical difference—for both the person in need and the volunteers responding.  

Seattle Mountain Rescue is an independent 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization under “Mountain Rescue Council” with EIN 91-6049880. We are run by dedicated, highly trained volunteers that respond under the authority of the King County Sheriff’s Office and collaborates with other units through our association memberships with KCSARA and MRA.  SMR’s rescue services are provided free of charge, made possible by community support and donors like you.

in Safety Tips 0 comments
 by SMR Staff

Learning to Lead, and Staying Safe in Winter

Seattle Mountain Rescue Welcomes University Prep

Seattle Mountain Rescue (SMR) recently welcomed 15 Upper School students from University Prep (UPrep) for an outreach education visit that connected classroom learning to real-world winter travel, leadership, and safety in the mountains.

An Intensive Snow School Experience

This year’s cohort enrolled in UPrep’s Intensive Snow School, participate with a program designed to build strong foundations in outdoor leadership and risk awareness. As part of the course, all students will complete an AIARE 1 Avalanche Course as well as spend multiple days at Mount Baker with a Pro Guide, where they’ll deepen their understanding of avalanche awareness, decision-making in winter terrain, and the responsibilities that come with recreating in snow-covered mountains and environments.

The visit to SMR offered a local, community-centered perspective—showing students how education, preparation, and teamwork extend beyond the classroom and into the broader outdoor ecosystem.

Getting to Know Seattle Mountain Rescue

During their visit, students received a brief introduction to SMR—who we are, what we do, and how we support the outdoor community across Washington. Volunteers shared how SMR partners with local sheriffs’ offices and other search and rescue (SAR) teams to respond when people need help in the backcountry.

Students were especially excited to explore the rescue truck, learn how equipment is organized for rapid response, and see how technology, such as drones, is helping bring everyone home from the backcountry faster than ever before. They also had the chance to meet Ruffles, SMR’s crisis response canine, whose calm presence and specialized training sparked plenty of curiosity and smiles.

Building the Next Generation of Outdoor Leaders

SMR is grateful for opportunities like this to connect with students who are actively learning how to head out on a hike, recreate responsibly and lead with awareness in winter environments. Programs like UPrep’s Intensive Snow School help cultivate thoughtful decision-makers—people who understand not only how to enjoy the mountains, but how to care for themselves, their partners, and the broader outdoor community.

We wish the UPrep snow school students a safe, inspiring experience at Mount Baker and beyond, and we’re proud to be part of their journey into winter leadership.

Seattle Mountain Rescue is an independent 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization under “Mountain Rescue Council” with EIN 91-6049880. We are run by dedicated, highly trained volunteers that respond under the authority of the King County Sheriff’s Office and collaborates with other units through our association memberships with KCSARA and MRA.  SMR’s rescue services are provided free of charge, made possible by community support and donors like you.

Infrared Image using SMR’s Thermal Drone

in Safety Tips 0 comments