“I’m just happy to be alive.”

When Daniel reflects on April 26, 2026, that’s where his story begins.

At 32 years old, Daniel was an experienced climber, software engineer, and outdoor enthusiast. Like many who spend years in the mountains, he understood the risks and took pride in his ability to navigate them safely.

That Sunday, Daniel was doing something he loved: sharing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest with friends who had recently moved from Dallas, Texas. While his friends had experience climbing indoors, they had little outdoor experience, and he was excited to introduce them to the mountains he had come to know so well.

His fiancée was there, too. At one point, she decided to take their dog for a walk on nearby trails while Daniel and his friends continued climbing.

Looking back, Daniel is profoundly grateful she wasn’t there for what happened next.

One Small Decision

A simple climbing problem led to a decision that would change everything.

Partway up the climb, Daniel’s rope became snagged. He devised what he believed was a simple plan to free it and return safely to the ground. Because the climbing route was shorter than the rope, he had developed a false sense of security and chose not to tie a stopper knot in the end of the rope—a simple backup that can prevent the rope from passing completely through a belay device.

But this wasn’t a standard climbing situation.

Daniel improvised a system to free the stuck rope. In doing so, he failed to recognize that the amount of usable rope available to his climbing partner had changed. At the same time, a critical misunderstanding occurred. Daniel believed he would be rappelling. His partner believed he would be lowering him.

Neither realized they had different understandings of the plan.

The Fall

Moments later, the rope slipped through the belay device, and Daniel fell approximately 30 feet onto a steep slope of rocks and talus below.

The impact left him with a fractured heel, a fractured fibula, small fractures on 2 vertebrae, and lung contusions.

In the aftermath of the accident, Daniel spent considerable time reflecting on what had happened.

His conclusion was surprisingly candid.  “It was ego.”

He wanted to appear competent in front of his less-experienced friends, and he wanted to solve the problem quickly. The safer option was simply to wait for his friends to finish their climb and use their rope to retrieve his own. Instead, he devised a solution that saved only a few minutes but unfortunately increased the risk. Looking back, Daniel says the reward simply wasn’t worth it.

Daniel hopes others can learn from his experience. He now believes that good judgment isn’t just knowing how to solve a problem—it’s recognizing when the safest solution is to slow down.

Many outdoor accidents are not caused by a lack of experience. Often, they happen when experienced people become comfortable, make assumptions, or fail to fully communicate. During his recovery, Daniel spoke with a trusted climbing mentor who offered a perspective he hadn’t expected: “I could have made the same mistake.” Hearing those words reinforced an important truth—experience lowers risk, but it doesn’t eliminate it.

At Seattle Mountain Rescue, we are called on missions involving people of every experience level. More often than not, we are helping someone who knows exactly what they are doing. They are climbers, hikers, skiers, runners, mountain bikers, hunters, and outdoor professionals who have spent years developing their skills.

Accidents happen.

Experience reduces risk, but it does not eliminate it. A single misunderstanding, overlooked detail, changing conditions, or momentary lapse in judgment can turn an ordinary day outdoors into an emergency.

SMR: The Rescue He Never Expected

As Daniel lay injured on the rocky slope, he began thinking about how he would get out. Like many outdoor enthusiasts, he assumed the fire department would respond. Before that day, he had never heard of Seattle Mountain Rescue.

Then rescuers started arriving. And arriving.  And arriving.  Nearly twenty Seattle Mountain Rescue volunteers responded.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Daniel recalled. “It felt like a luxury service.”

What surprised him most wasn’t simply the number of rescuers. It was their professionalism, calm demeanor, and clear sense of purpose. Every volunteer knew their role. There was no judgment about how the accident happened. There was only a highly trained team focused on helping someone on one of the worst days of his life.

Within minutes, Daniel was receiving care and being prepared for evacuation. For Seattle Mountain Rescue, it was another mission. For Daniel, it was life changing. The physical injuries would heal. The emotional impact would take longer.

Gratitude

Daniel continues to process the accident and the reality of how close he came to a very different outcome. His friends who witnessed the fall are processing their own experience as well. He remains grateful that his fiancée was not among them.

What stays with him most is gratitude.

Gratitude for the volunteers who responded.

Gratitude for the opportunity to recover.  And gratitude for a future he almost lost.

Months after the accident, Daniel shared a message with Seattle Mountain Rescue that perfectly captures why your support matters:

“I’m most thankful that I’m still able to attend my own wedding in no small part because of SMR.”

Despite months on crutches and a difficult recovery, Daniel walked down the aisle and married the love of his life.

Why We Respond

Today, he is nearly fully recovered.

His story serves as an important reminder that accidents can happen to anyone. They happen to beginners and experts alike. They happen in a matter of seconds.

When they do, Seattle Mountain Rescue is ready.

Every rescue mission depends on highly trained volunteers, specialized equipment, and thousands of hours of preparation.

We never charge for our services. Our ability to respond is made possible entirely through the generosity of donors like you.

Your support ensures that when someone’s worst day arrives, a team of dedicated volunteers is ready to answer the call.

Because everyone deserves the chance to make it home.

Why Your Support Matters

Seattle Mountain Rescue is a 100% volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives through search, rescue, and mountain safety education. Every mission depends on donations to provide essential gear, training, and resources.

Your support ensures rescuers have the gear, training, and resources they need to act quickly and safely. More than that, it means that when the next emergency strikes, SMR will be there to answer the call.

Daniel, his wife Amy, their friends and family are forever grateful for SMR. Now they’re asking you to join them—make a gift today to help Seattle Mountain Rescue continue bringing everyone home.

Seattle Mountain Rescue is a non-profit organization run by dedicated, highly trained volunteers. We do not charge for our services. Seattle Mountain Rescue is registered as a 501(c)(3) under “Mountain Rescue Council” with EIN 91-6049880.

Thank you for your support!

 www.seattlemountainrescue.org

 

A Promise Kept: Supporting Our Fellow Rescuers in El Potrero Chico

When most climbers think of El Potrero Chico (EPC) in northern Mexico, they think of towering limestone walls, endless sunshine, and some of the best multi-pitch sport climbing in the world. Home to more than 750 established routes, EPC has become one of the premier climbing destinations on the planet, attracting climbers from around the globe every winter.

In January 2025, a group of five Seattle Mountain Rescue members traveled to El Potrero Chico for exactly that reason—to enjoy great climbing, experience a new destination, and spend time together in one of the world’s most iconic climbing areas.

While there, we had the opportunity to meet the local volunteer rescue team and learn about the incredible work they do to keep the climbing community safe.

Meeting the EPC Rescue Team

Through Karla Moya, the leader of the rescue team and owner of the Red Point Restaurant, we learned about the organization that responds to climbing accidents throughout El Potrero Chico. The team consists of only a handful of dedicated volunteers, yet they respond to numerous rescues each climbing season—often multiple incidents in a single week during the busiest months. Founded in 1993, they have become an essential part of the climbing community, teaching self rescue courses and providing skilled rescue services whenever climbers need help.

Like many volunteer rescue organizations, however, they face constant challenges keeping their equipment up to date.

A Need We Couldn’t Ignore

During our conversations, we learned that much of their rescue equipment had been stolen years earlier. Although they had received a generous donation of climbing hardware from Petzl—including belay devices and carabiners—they still lacked many of the medical and rescue supplies needed for effective patient care in the field. Their remaining equipment was limited, and replacing specialized rescue gear was financially difficult. While they worked to rebuild their rescue equipment, their capacity for safe and efficient operations was restricted.

Before leaving Mexico, we made a simple promise:

We would come back.

And when we did, we’d bring the equipment they needed.

Returning with a Purpose

One year later, in January 2026, another group of Seattle Mountain Rescue members—including Michelle Howden, Kyle Lemorie, and Jenna Phillips—returned to El Potrero Chico carrying more than climbing gear.

Packed alongside ropes and harnesses were donations for the EPC Rescue Team, including vacuum splints, a Sked litter, full-body and extremity splints, trauma dressings, examination gloves, and other medical equipment that would immediately strengthen their rescue capabilities.

The equipment was delivered directly to the team, fulfilling the promise made the previous year.

Then came the best part of the story.

Only two days later, the newly donated equipment was put into service during the rescue of a climber who had suffered a broken ankle. Knowing that these supplies immediately helped another climber reinforced why supporting fellow rescue organizations matters, regardless of where they are in the world.

Rescue Is a Global Community

Although Seattle Mountain Rescue and the EPC Rescue Team operate in different countries, we share the same mission: helping people in the outdoors when they need it most.

Volunteer rescue organizations everywhere depend on the 

generosity of their communities, and sometimes a small act of support can make an immediate difference.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to build friendships with our counterparts in El Potrero Chico, and we’re already discussing another visit in 2027 to continue supporting their team.

If the EPC Rescue Team establishes a donation link, we’ll share it here so others in the climbing community can help support the outstanding work they do.

Until then, we’re proud to have kept a promise—and even prouder to know that the equipment found its way into helping an injured climber almost immediately.

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Every rescue begins long before the call comes in. It starts with training, specialized equipment, and a community that believes everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the healing power of nature—and to return home safely. Your generosity makes that possible.

As a 100% volunteer nonprofit, Seattle Mountain Rescue depends on charitable support to prepare for the next mission and continue bringing Everyone Home From the Backcountry.

As a recipient of Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, we’re committed to exceptional stewardship and accountability, ensuring every gift is used wisely to advance our lifesaving mission. We offer several tax-smart ways to maximize your impact. Learn more here.

When Seattle Mountain Rescue first began evaluating electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs), the goal was simple: determine whether they could help rescuers reach patients faster and move equipment more efficiently in the backcountry.

After a year of real-world deployments, the answer is becoming increasingly clear:

E-mountain bikes are no longer an experimental tool used only on a handful of missions. They are becoming a regular part of Seattle Mountain Rescue’s operational toolkit, supporting everything from hasty response and patient care to equipment transport and urban search operations.

As outdoor recreation continues to grow throughout Washington State, our volunteers are constantly evaluating technologies that can improve response times, reduce rescuer fatigue, and increase our ability to help those in need. E-bikes are proving to be one of those technologies.

Reaching Patients Faster

One of the most valuable uses of e-bikes is getting trained rescuers to a patient quickly while larger teams are still making their way to the scene on foot.

On April 18, 2026, Seattle Mountain Rescue responded to a medical emergency involving a hiker on the trail system between Mount Si and Mount Teneriffe. The subject was experiencing vomiting, hallucinations, brief loss of consciousness, and altered behavior after consuming THC before the hike.

A Seattle Mountain Rescue hasty team member deployed via e-mountain bike and became the first search and rescue resource to arrive on scene. Early assessment and communication provided responding agencies with critical information while additional resources continued toward the patient.

In situations where every minute matters, reducing travel time can make a significant difference.

Moving Equipment Where It’s Needed

Mountain rescue often requires far more than a team of rescuers. Medical equipment, technical rescue gear, rope systems, splints, communications equipment, and patient packaging systems must also reach the scene.

Traditionally, every piece of equipment had to be carried by rescuers on foot.

On May 3, 2026, Seattle Mountain Rescue responded to an injured hiker near Teneriffe Falls who had suffered a serious ankle injury while descending the old Kamikaze Trail.

A rescuer deployed via e-bike carrying a full-body vacuum splint, multiple water bottles, a personal rigging kit, and medical equipment. After rapidly covering the trail distance, the rescuer staged the bike and continued on foot to reach the patient. The early arrival of both the rescuer and critical equipment helped expedite patient assessment and evacuation planning.

The mission demonstrated another growing role for e-bikes: functioning as gear haulers that allow rescuers to transport heavier loads deeper into the field while conserving energy for the technical work that follows.

Supporting Technical Rescue Operations

The value of e-bikes is not limited to medical calls or trail responses.

On May 16, 2026, Seattle Mountain Rescue responded to a serious head injury on Mount Si’s Haystack after a solo hiker fell approximately 50 feet from the summit area.

During the response, a rescuer deployed via e-bike along the access road carrying both a full-body vacuum splint and a rescue litter. Multiple teams simultaneously ascended the hiking trail with additional rescue equipment.

By using the road system to move specialized equipment quickly, rescuers were able to position critical resources closer to the incident while coordinating access options with partner teams.

This type of deployment highlights how e-bikes can complement traditional rescue methods, helping place personnel and equipment where they are needed most while preserving volunteer energy for complex technical operations.

Beyond Mountain Rescues

While much of the attention has focused on backcountry missions, e-bikes are proving useful in a variety of environments.

Seattle Mountain Rescue has incorporated them into training exercises, equipment transport operations, and urban search scenarios where responders must cover large areas quickly. In many situations, an e-bike can move faster than a rescuer on foot while accessing areas where larger vehicles cannot travel.

The result is a flexible platform that can be adapted to a wide range of mission types.

Continuing to Evaluate New Technology

Seattle Mountain Rescue has a long history of evaluating emerging technology that can improve mission effectiveness. From drones and thermal imaging systems to advanced communications equipment, our volunteers continually assess tools that can help bring rescuers and subjects together more quickly.

E-mountain bikes have earned their place among those tools.

They are not a replacement for strong rescuers, technical skills, or teamwork. Instead, they provide another option that can help volunteers arrive sooner, transport equipment more efficiently, and preserve energy for the demanding work that follows.

As deployments continue to increase, e-bikes are becoming less of a pilot project and more of a standard consideration whenever Seattle Mountain Rescue plans a response.

Because when the call comes, every minute matters.

Interested in supporting Seattle Mountain Rescue’s technology initiatives?

Donor support helps Seattle Mountain Rescue evaluate emerging technologies, maintain operational readiness, and bring critical tools into the field when every minute counts. To learn more about other technologies SMR is evaluating and deploying, visit our blog: New Technology in Search and Rescue.

Every rescue begins long before the call comes in. It starts with training, specialized equipment, and a community that believes everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the healing power of nature—and to return home safely. Your generosity makes that possible.

As a 100% volunteer nonprofit, Seattle Mountain Rescue depends on charitable support to prepare for the next mission and continue bringing Everyone Home From the Backcountry.

As a recipient of Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, we’re committed to exceptional stewardship and accountability, ensuring every gift is used wisely to advance our lifesaving mission. We offer several tax-smart ways to maximize your impact. Learn more here.

Summer is one of the best times to explore Washington’s mountains, forests, and trails. Longer days and sunny weather draw more people outdoors, but warmer temperatures also bring increased risks. Every year, Seattle Mountain Rescue responds to incidents involving dehydration, heat-related illness, navigation errors, and hikers who underestimated the challenges of hiking in hot weather.

With NOAA forecasting above-average temperatures this summer, preparation is more important than ever. A little planning before you leave the trailhead can make the difference between a memorable adventure and an emergency.

How to Prepare for a Hike, Before You Reach the Trailhead

Good hydration and good decision-making start long before your boots hit the trail.

Before heading out:

• Hydrate throughout the day before your hike.
• Drink fluids during the morning before your trip and on the drive to the trailhead.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Research your route and understand the terrain.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Carry the Ten Essentials.

These simple steps dramatically improve your safety and help ensure you are prepared for changing conditions.

The Importance of Summer Hiking Clothing

As silly as it may sound, selecting the right summer hiking outfit is key – it means striking the right balance between staying cool while also staying protected from the elements, whether it’s sun in the day or if it cools at night: 

• Hat
• Light layers
• Long-sleeves
• Consider including a warm layer or, too just in case

Common Hot-Weather Hiking Mistakes

Many summer hiking emergencies can be traced back to a few common mistakes:

• Starting too late in the day
• Not carrying enough water
• Drinking only water without replenishing electrolytes
• Underestimating the effects of heat on exposed terrain
• Overestimating personal fitness or experience levels

A trail that feels comfortable in spring can become significantly more demanding during a summer heat wave. Exposed ridges, rocky slopes, and open meadows can feel much hotter than temperatures reported at the trailhead.

Another common mistake is overhydration. More water is not always better. Balance water intake with electrolytes and drink consistently throughout the day rather than forcing large amounts of water all at once.

Hydration: More Than Just Drinking Water

One of the most important aspects of summer hiking is staying hydrated. On a warm day, most hikers should plan to consume between a half-liter and a full liter of water per hour, depending on temperature, humidity, terrain, and individual needs.

Always carry more water than you expect to need. Unexpected delays, route-finding challenges, injuries, or simply spending more time on the trail than planned can increase your water requirements. Whenever possible, know where reliable water sources exist and carry the equipment necessary to filter or treat water.

Just as importantly, remember that hydration is not simply about drinking water.

When we sweat, we lose electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Replacing those electrolytes can help prevent muscle cramps, fatigue, and other heat-related problems. Consider carrying electrolyte powders, sports drinks, or salty snacks as part of your hiking nutrition plan.

There is also such a thing as drinking too much water. Consuming excessive amounts of water without replacing electrolytes can lead to a dangerous condition called hyponatremia, where sodium levels in the body become dangerously diluted. A good rule for most hikers in the Pacific Northwest is to drink water regularly to satisfy thirst rather than trying to eliminate all feelings of thirst entirely.

Staying Cool on the Trail

One of the simplest ways to avoid heat-related illness is to reduce your exposure to the hottest parts of the day.

Consider these strategies:

• Start your hike early in the morning
• Wear light-colored, sun-protective clothing
• Take breaks in shaded areas
• Cool off near rivers, lakes, or streams when appropriate
• Wet a bandana and place it around your neck to help lower body temperature

If you prefer colder water, consider carrying it in an insulated bottle or adding ice to your hydration bladder. If you have room in your pack, a frozen bottle of water can stay cold for hours and provide refreshing hydration later in the day.

Keeping fluids cool can make them more appealing to drink and encourage consistent hydration throughout your hike.

Don’t Forget Your Canine Companion

Many of us enjoy hiking with our dogs. Warm-weather safety also applies to our four-legged companions. Dogs can overheat quickly, especially on exposed trails, rocky terrain, and during long climbs where shade and water may be limited. 

Be sure to carry extra water for your dog, take frequent breaks, watch for signs of heat stress, and remember that hot rocks, dirt, and pavement can injure sensitive paw pads. Just like people, dogs can become exhausted, dehydrated, injured, or stranded far from the trailhead. 

At Seattle Mountain Rescue, we believe that pets are family and no paws are left behind — SMR rescues the whole family. That’s why we have invested in specialized canine rescue equipment and training so we can safely assist injured or stranded dogs when emergencies occur. Whether your hiking partner walks on two legs or four, proper preparation helps ensure that everyone comes home from the backcountry.

If You Need Help, Call Early

If you become lost, injured, or begin experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness, call 911 as soon as possible.

Early notification allows rescuers to gather information, coordinate resources, and respond more effectively. Waiting until a situation becomes critical often makes the rescue more difficult and can increase risk for both the subject and rescue personnel.

Seattle Mountain Rescue volunteers train year-round to respond when the King County Sheriff’s Office requests assistance. Whether the emergency involves an injured hiker, a lost subject, or a technical mountain rescue, our goal remains the same:

Everyone Comes Home From the Backcountry.

Support the Mission

Seattle Mountain Rescue is an all-volunteer organization that depends on community support to maintain the training, equipment, and readiness needed to respond when help is needed most.

As a recipient of Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, Seattle Mountain Rescue is committed to the highest standards of accountability and openly shares the impact of every donor dollar entrusted to our mission.

If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation or exploring the tax-smart giving options available through Seattle Mountain Rescue. Your generosity helps ensure our volunteers remain ready to respond whenever and wherever the call comes.

Together, we can help keep Washington’s outdoor community safe and ensure that everyone comes home from the backcountry.

At 11:53 p.m. on May 1st, the Seattle Mountain Rescue response team was informed  of a pending mission response on Infinite Bliss — a route well known in the Pacific Northwest climbing community for both its location and its scale. Stretching across 23 pitches with nearly 2,600 feet of elevation gain, Infinite Bliss is considered one of the longest bolted sport climbing routes in North America. Long before the first pitch, climbers commit to a serious day in steep terrain where timing, weather, route management, and equipment all matter.

That night, two day-climbers found themselves unable to descend after their ropes became damaged during the climb. After multiple attempts at self-rescue, the party made a critical decision: they secured themselves in place and called 911 for help. To understand what happens after calling 911, read about what goes on in “Anatomy of a Search and Rescue Mission”. 

That decision mattered.

Seattle Mountain Rescue established contact with the climbers and mobilized a five-person field team. Through the night, rescuers moved steadily through steep and technical terrain, navigating darkness, exposure, and fatigue to reach the stranded climbers by early morning.

Once contact was made, the team assisted the climbers through a safe rappel descent off the route. By late morning, everyone was back at the trailhead — tired, but safe.

Incidents like this are a reminder that even highly traveled and established climbing routes can become serious very quickly. On long alpine-style climbs, small problems can compound fast: damaged gear, fatigue, communication breakdowns, changing conditions, or simply running out of time. Infinite Bliss may be bolted, but its length and complexity demand the same respect as many larger mountain objectives.

We’re grateful the climbers made the decision to stop, stabilize, and call for assistance before the situation escalated further. Good decision-making in the mountains often looks exactly like this: recognizing when conditions have changed and knowing when to ask for help.

For Seattle Mountain Rescue, this mission was another example of why we train year-round. Our volunteers dedicate thousands of hours annually to technical rigging, mountain travel, medical care, communications, and rescue systems so we’re prepared when the call comes — no matter the time, weather, or terrain.

Because when something goes wrong in the backcountry, time matters. Experience matters. Teamwork matters.

And every mission ends with the same goal: Everyone comes home from the backcountry.

Seattle Mountain Rescue is an all-volunteer organization funded entirely through donations and grants. SMR now offers several tax-smart giving options. Consider a gift of stocks, donor advised funds (DAFs) or qualified charitable distributions (QCDs).  If you’d like to support missions like this and help keep our rescuers trained, equipped, and ready to respond day or night, please consider supporting our Operations Fund: Seattle Mountain Rescue Operations Fund

For more than 75 years, Seattle Mountain Rescue (SMR) has responded to emergencies in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest using strong rescue fundamentals: medical care, rope systems, terrain management, navigation, communication, and highly trained volunteers who keep moving long after most people turn back.

As outdoor recreation continues to grow across Washington State, so does the complexity and frequency of rescue missions. Seattle Mountain Rescue is continuing to evaluate how emerging technology may help volunteers respond more safely and effectively in difficult terrain.

This spring, SMR began testing the Hypershell X Ultra powered exoskeleton as part of a structured field evaluation program. The Hypershell X Ultra is a lightweight powered hip exoskeleton designed to assist movement during steep climbs, long approaches, and heavy load carries. Using sensors and real-time gait analysis, the system adds mechanical assistance during the most physically demanding parts of a stride, particularly while traveling uphill and carrying heavy equipment.

The goal of the exoskeleton evaluation is straightforward: determine whether this technology can meaningfully improve safety, efficiency, and operational capability during mountain rescue missions. Throughout the testing period, SMR volunteers are using the exoskeletons in a variety of real-world conditions, including:

• Steep trail ascents and descents
• Long approaches carrying rescue equipment
• Winter travel and layered clothing systems
• Mixed-terrain movement
• Inclement weather conditions
• Potential subject-assisted mobility scenarios

Potential benefits include reducing rescuer fatigue on long approaches, helping teams move gear more efficiently, and ultimately reaching ill, injured, or lost subjects sooner. If the technology proves reliable in real mountain conditions, it could meaningfully improve outcomes by supporting clearer decision‑making, sustaining performance over demanding terrain, and maintaining operational momentum during multi‑hour evacuations.

This week, KING 5 News joined SMR volunteers to learn more about the testing program and how emerging outdoor technology may support future rescue operations. Watch the story here:
Seattle Mountain Rescue deploys exoskeletons as second U.S. SAR team to use the technology

These systems are not intended to replace rescuers or traditional search and rescue skills. SMR volunteers continue to rely on training, teamwork, and technical proficiency in challenging terrain and changing mountain conditions.

SMR’s approach to technology remains mission-focused. Tools are evaluated based on whether they improve rescuer safety, operational effectiveness, and response capability in the field. Existing technologies already used by the team include drones, e-bikes, satellite communications, shared digital mapping platforms, and AI-based planning and analysis tools. Technology is simply a tool that empowers rescuers to move more efficiently, more effectively, and more safely with the goal of providing life-saving services to the outdoor community. 

To learn more about other technologies Seattle Mountain Rescue is evaluating and using in the field, visit: New Technology in Search and Rescue

Community support helps Seattle Mountain Rescue maintain the training, equipment, and readiness needed to respond when people need help in the mountains.

If you’re interested in supporting SMR, your contribution helps volunteers evaluate emerging technology, maintain operational readiness, and bring critical tools into the field when every minute matters. SMR now offers several tax-smart giving options. Consider a gift of stocks, donor advised funds (DAFs) or qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). Support Seattle Mountain Rescue

Download our free, outdoor coloring pages: 

• Coloring page: rescue mission
• Color page: hikers resting with their doc
• Game: word search and maze

At Seattle Mountain Rescue, our mission has always been simple and powerful: Everyone comes home from the backcountry. Since our founding in 1948, our all-volunteer team has answered the call—day or night, in any weather—when someone needs help in the mountains.

Now, we’re excited to share a new way for kids (and kids at heart) to connect with that mission: our Seattle Mountain Rescue coloring and activity pages.

On the front page, you’ll find a rescue scene that captures what we do best—highly trained volunteers working together in rugged terrain, using ropes, and teamwork. While ropes have been part of mountain rescue since the beginning, today’s equipment is lighter, stronger, and more advanced—helping us move faster and operate more safely in challenging environments. 

While we honor our long history, we’re always looking ahead. Seattle Mountain Rescue continues to research and implement new technologies, such as drones, that strengthen our ability to respond—helping us make better decisions, move more efficiently, and ultimately save lives. As these tools evolve, they will play an even greater role in how we carry out our mission. 

But rescue is about more than gear—it’s about people.

That’s where Ruffles comes in.

Ruffles is a certified crisis response canine and an important member of our team. Trained to provide calm, comfort, and connection, Ruffles supports both rescuers and those impacted by our missions during moments of uncertainty, grief, and fatigue. Whether sitting beside a tired teammate or offering quiet companionship to a worried family member, Ruffles reminds us that emotional support is just as vital as technical skill.

Flip to the back page, and the adventure continues with a word search and maze challenge. Kids can explore rescue-related words like avalanche, helicopter, and navigation, or help Ruffles find the way back to the command vehicle. These activities offer a fun glimpse into the world of search and rescue—where teamwork, training, and problem-solving come together in real life. 

These outdoor coloring pages are more than just a fun activity—they’re a window into a world of service, resilience, and compassion. We hope they inspire curiosity, spark conversations, and maybe even plant the seed for a future rescuer.

Because no matter your age, the spirit of helping others is something we can all share.

Some heroes wear helmets. Some carry ropes.
And some… wag their entire body when they greet you.

Meet Ruffles, a beloved member of Seattle Mountain Rescue whose impact goes far beyond the mountains. Born on January 25, 2021, Ruffles has grown into a unique and powerful presence—one that brings comfort, connection, and joy wherever she goes.

A Calling Rooted in Compassion

Ruffles’ journey began with a love for people—especially kids. She started her career with Reading With Rover, where she helped young readers build confidence simply by being a calm, nonjudgmental listener.

There’s something special about a dog who listens without interrupting, without correcting—just quietly encouraging. Ruffles not only embraced this role, she now helps mentor other dogs learning to do the same, spreading her gentle influence even further.

A Natural Fit for Seattle Mountain Rescue

Since early 2021, Ruffles has been raised alongside the team at Seattle Mountain Rescue, growing up immersed in a culture of service, resilience, and care for others.

While SMR responders train thousands of hours in technical rescue, navigation, and medical care, Ruffles represents another essential piece of the mission: emotional support.

In moments of uncertainty—whether waiting for news, processing a difficult outcome, or simply catching a breath after a long mission—Ruffles is there.

No commands needed. Just presence.

Certified to Comfort in Times of Crisis

In 2023, Ruffles took her role even further by becoming a certified crisis response canine with HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response.

This certification means she is trained to respond in high-stress environments—supporting individuals, families, and even first responders during times of trauma, grief, or disaster. Her work has extended beyond local missions, with deployments on a national level when called.

Because sometimes, the most powerful form of help isn’t technical—it’s emotional.

Not All Work… Plenty of Play

Of course, Ruffles isn’t all business.

When she’s not supporting missions or lending comfort, you’ll likely find her:

• Running through the trails and forests of the Snoqualmie Valley
• Exploring the beauty of the San Juan Islands
• Diving enthusiastically into any body of water she can find

She hasn’t met a lake, river, or shoreline she doesn’t love.

And if you’ve ever met her, you know this to be true:
Ruffles doesn’t just wag her tail—her whole body wags.

More Than a Dog

Ruffles reminds us that rescue isn’t only about reaching people in the mountains—it’s about caring for them, and for each other, every step of the way.

She brings smiles in hard moments.
She builds connection when words fall short.
She shows us that strength can be soft, and that comfort can be powerful.

In a world that often feels heavy, Ruffles is a living reminder of something simple and profound:

Kindness matters. Presence matters. And sometimes, healing begins with a wag. 🐶💛

If you’d like to support programs like Ruffles’ and the work of Seattle Mountain Rescue, consider making a donation or learning more about how you can get involved.  SMR now offers several tax-smart giving options. Consider a gift of stocks, donor advised funds (DAFs) or qualified charitable distributions (QCDs).

How Cutting‑Edge Technology Is Improving SMR’s Ability to Save Lives

Search and rescue in the Pacific Northwest is shaped by the landscape itself. Thick forests limit visibility, rugged mountains slow travel, and weather can shift from calm to hazardous in minutes. These conditions demand speed, adaptability, and clear coordination—qualities that become harder to maintain the farther teams move from roads and cell coverage.

That’s why Seattle Mountain Rescue (SMR) is investing in technologies that help us overcome these natural barriers. From drones that search large areas quickly, to satellite tools that keep teams connected, to e‑mountain bikes and exoskeletons that improve mobility, to AI systems that help manage complex missions. Each innovation strengthens our ability to respond when someone needs help. These tools are becoming essential parts of modern SAR operations, and we’re actively evaluating and adopting them as they become available.

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Drones

Drones now play three primary roles in search and rescue: search, support, and awareness.

Search

Modern drones can autonomously fly complex grid patterns over mountainous terrain while using thermal imaging, optical zoom, and AI-assisted detection.

What once took hours—or even days—can now take minutes. Subtle movement, color anomalies, or heat signatures that might be missed by the human eye can be identified quickly from the air.

Support

Drones can deliver critical equipment to precise locations in a fraction of the time it would take a ground team. Smaller drones can carry essential items such as radios, flashlights, or medical supplies like EpiPens and AEDs.

Larger platforms are available that can transport significantly heavier gear—such as ropes, litters, or advanced medical kits—directly to a scene. As a volunteer nonprofit organization, acquiring this type of equipment remains a challenge, but it represents a major opportunity to improve response capability.

Awareness

Drones provide real-time video to teams in the field and personnel at base. This improves decision-making and safety.

Examples include:

• Assessing rockfall or avalanche risk above a rescue scene
• Lighting a medical scene or difficult terrain during night operations
• Providing a broader operational view for coordination

One area of drone research is swarming or having multiple drones working together to dramatically reduce search time – cutting hours down to minutes. 

At the same time, AI-powered image and video analysis is rapidly improving. A great example being Eagle Eyes Search. Drones are increasingly able to detect subjects in real time – oftentimes identifying things a human pilot would miss, and broadcast real-time mission updates to all of the rescue teams.

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Satellite Connectivity

Reliable communication is critical in the environments where we operate.

With satellite connectivity, Seattle Mountain Rescue can maintain data and communication links even in remote areas with no cell coverage. This enables:

• Live video consultation with medical personnel
• Real-time updates between field teams and Base
• Continuous data sharing during extended missions
• Portable Starlink connection for wifi connectivity in remote locations

Many cell phones now support satellite communication allowing position updates for rescue members in the back country, and messaging when outside traditional cell coverage.

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Map Sharing & Real‑Time Coordination

Modern search and rescue depends on accurate, shared mapping—especially in the complex terrain of the Pacific Northwest. SMR uses Caltopo as our primary mapping platform to keep teams aligned, informed, and safe throughout a mission. It allows us to mark command post locations, track subjects, and visualize terrain in ways that support faster, clearer decision‑making.

One of the most powerful capabilities we now rely on is the ability for 911 to capture a subject’s cell‑phone coordinates in seconds. Once those coordinates are received, they can be dropped directly onto our SarTopo mission map and shared instantly with every team in the field. This gives rescuers a precise point—often the difference between hours of searching and a rapid, targeted response.

SarTopo also enables real‑time tracking of ground teams, helicopters, and drones, giving mission leaders a live operational picture as conditions evolve. When new information comes in, every rescuer sees the same updated map, ensuring that teams converge quickly and efficiently. This shared mapping environment has become one of the most important tools in modern SAR operations.

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E-Bikes

E‑mountain bikes are becoming an increasingly valuable mobility tool across modern SAR operations, giving teams new ways to move quickly and extend their reach. They allow rescuers to cover large distances quickly, transport gear more efficiently, and access non‑technical terrain far faster than traveling on foot. 

They’re especially effective on trail systems and in urban searches where speed and mobility directly improve response times. As battery technology and cargo‑carrying options continue to advance, e‑mountain bikes are opening new possibilities for rapid deployment and early‑stage search coverage.

Thanks to the partnership with The Line Bike Experience, SMR was generously donated an initial fleet of unit bikes to make available for member use. 

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Exoskeletons

Powered exoskeletons are an emerging technology with real potential for search and rescue. These systems use lightweight power‑assist mechanisms and AI‑driven motion control to help rescuers move more efficiently on foot, carry heavier loads, and reduce fatigue on long approaches.

SMR is currently partnering with Hypershell to evaluate the Hypershell X exoskeleton device to understand how it performs in steep, brushy, or snowy terrain where other tools—like e‑mountain bikes—can’t go. Initial field use is giving us a clearer picture of where this technology can fit into our overall response toolkit. 

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AI‑Driven Mission Support 

Search and rescue operations are complex, involving multiple teams, tools, and agencies working simultaneously. 

AI-driven software we’re currently working on (LOLA) is aimed to help us improve coordination and efficiency by:

• Processing initial dispatch information
• Assisting with mission planning
• Managing operational complexity in real time

As these technologies evolve, we’re evaluating how they can help teams stay ahead of changing conditions and operate with greater clarity in the field. Our current agent project is called LOLA, which will help us improve communications with the sheriffs dept when a mission begins.

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A Volunteer Team Powered by Technology

Seattle Mountain Rescue is a 100% volunteer organization. Every mission is supported by individuals who dedicate their time, training, and expertise to helping others in difficult situations.

Technology is not a replacement for that commitment—it’s a force multiplier.

It allows us to respond faster, operate more safely, and make better decisions in the field. As these tools continue to evolve, they will play an even greater role in helping us carry out our mission.

SMR now offers several tax-smart giving options. Consider a gift of stocks, donor advised funds (DAFs) or qualified charitable distributions (QCDs).  If you’re interested in supporting Seattle Mountain Rescue, your contribution would help bring these and other tools into the field—and ultimately, helps us save lives – www.seattlemountainrescue.org/donate

From Shared Roots to Shared Missions: The Mountaineers & Seattle Mountain Rescue

Long before high-tech gear and rapid-response systems, mountain safety in the Pacific Northwest was built on something far more powerful: collaboration.

When Seattle Mountain Rescue (SMR) was formally organized in 1948 as the Mountain Rescue Council, it wasn’t created in isolation. It was born out of a partnership between The Mountaineers, the Washington Alpine Club, and the National Ski Patrol—groups united by a shared commitment to safety in the mountains. Together, they formed a specialized rescue team designed to respond when adventure took an unexpected turn.

Among those early visionaries was Wolf Bauer, a Mountaineers member who helped lead the effort, alongside Omi Daiber—often referred to as the “Father of Mountain Rescue.” Their legacy lives on not only in the structure of SMR today, but in the enduring partnership between our organizations.

Then and Now: A Partnership That Endures

That spirit of collaboration hasn’t faded—it’s evolved.

Today, Seattle Mountain Rescue continues to work closely with The Mountaineers to promote safety, education, and preparedness in the outdoors. Whether through joint trainings, shared community outreach, or storytelling that reaches thousands, our missions remain deeply aligned.

A recent example is the The Seattle Times article, “Hiking WA’s backcountry during spring? Here’s how to safely do it.” In it, we come together to share timely, practical guidance for navigating Washington’s unpredictable spring conditions—when sunshine at the trailhead can quickly give way to snow, ice, and risk at higher elevations.

Spring in the Mountains: Beauty Meets Responsibility

Spring has officially arrived. Wildflowers are beginning to bloom, trails are calling, and longer days invite us back into the mountains.

But here’s the truth: spring hiking in Washington is anything but predictable.

Snow still blankets higher elevations. Melting conditions create slick, unstable terrain. River crossings swell. And what starts as a casual hike can quickly become a serious situation without the right preparation and situational awareness.

This is where education—and partnership—matters most. Together we encourage every outdoor enthusiast to:

• Check conditions before heading out
• Carry appropriate gear for snow travel
• Understand changing weather patterns
• Know your limits—and turn around when needed

Because while the mountains are beautiful, they are also indifferent.

“The Mountains Don’t Care… But We Do.”

It’s a phrase that captures the reality of the wilderness—and the heart of what we do.

The mountains don’t adjust for experience level, timing, or intention. But the people who serve in mountain rescue do. Every mission, every training, every article shared with the public is driven by a single purpose:

To make sure that everyone comes home from the backcountry.

That mission has connected Seattle Mountain Rescue and The Mountaineers since the very beginning—and continues to guide us today.

Support the Mission

Seattle Mountain Rescue is an all-volunteer organization. Every mission we respond to, every hour we train, and every life we help bring home is made possible through the generosity of our community.

We rely solely on donations and grants to sustain our operations, invest in lifesaving equipment, and continue advancing the skills and technology that make our work possible.

Support Seattle Mountain Rescue today. 🏔️  Because no matter how far you go, or how high you climb— we’re here to help bring you home. 🏔️