Mission Spike

Seem like we’ve been on more missions than normal lately? It’s because we have!

We’ve had 35% more missions than 2015 and 70% more than 2014 (compared to this same time during those years). Here are a few things you can do as you head out if you don’t already:

• Check trail and weather conditions before you leave. The Washington Trails Association is a great place to start.
• Leave a trip plan with a family member or friend with information about who is hiking, the numbers of any cell phones you’ll be carrying, when you plan to leave, where you’re going (where you’ll be parking, which trailhead will be your starting point, which routes and campsites you plan to use), when you’re expecting to return, and the license plate and make of the car you’ll be using.
• Carry the 10 essentials.
• Have a way to alert folks if you get lost or injured. Cell phones are great but don’t always have service, so consider a spot device or personal locator beacon.

And if you do get into a bind, stay safe and don’t hesitate to call search and rescue. Ourselves and the other units in King County Search and Rescue will come get you anytime of day, any day of the year, wherever you are.

Review our safety tips and thanks to The Seattle Times for helping us get the word out!