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.
