King County Search and Rescue

06/18/2026

A Lifesaving Response (June 17, 2026)

📣Recognizing our Rapid Alpine Deployment (RAD) Team Members from King County Explorer Search and Rescue and Regional Special Vehicles Unit - RSVU.org

We would like to bring recognition to the swift and decisive actions of two RAD Team volunteers from an incident out at Franklin Falls earlier today.

While attempting to cross a creek, a 5-year-old child stepped into a deep hole. The current immediately swept her feet out from under her, carrying her downstream in 40-degree water.

The two members from King County Explorer Search and Rescue acted without hesitation. Both volunteers entered the thigh-deep, freezing water, reached the child, and pulled her to safety before she could be carried further down the creek.

⏱️Why Their Quick Action Mattered:

The environment downstream presented life-threatening hazards. Just below the rescue site, the creek narrows into a steep, rocky slot canyon that is difficult to access by trail. Several large log jams created a "strainer" hazard where water can pin a person underneath.

It is easy to look at this and think that it was luck of the draw that the RAD team was out at Franklin Falls today - we were in the right place, at the right time. But it's not just luck, it's strategic deployment. Our teams map common "hot spots" along the I-90 corridor that our volunteers proactively deploy to during the summer months, particularly during times of increased tourism like we're seeing right now. Accidents happen, and we know it's when, not if we'll get the call!

King County Sheriff's Office Marine Rescue Dive Unit and Valley Pool Together both have great tips on staying safe around water.

06/16/2026

🚨 SAR Mission Response -- Mount Si Trail -- 6/16/2026 AS OF 3:00 PM

"Multiple units from King County SAR are responding to reports of a bear attack on Mount Si. As a precautionary measure and under direction from WDFW, the trail has been closed while WDFW works to locate the bear. At this time, our focus is supporting the safe extraction of the two subjects and ensuring the safety of our volunteers and the public." -- Sara Autio, King County SAR PIO.

This incident serves as an important reminder to remain wildlife aware while recreating outdoors, stay alert to your surroundings, and be prepared for changing conditions in the backcountry. This reminder is more important than ever as our city is experiencing high volumes of tourism around the ⚽️ Cup.

Questions regarding subject medical should be directed to King County Sheriff's Office or Eastside Fire & Rescue.

We will continue to share status updates as available on this page.

Two people were injured in a bear encounter at Mount Si on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a response from the King County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies.The

06/16/2026

Eastside Fire & Rescue and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife have Mt Si Trails closed due to bear activity. At this time, they are reporting two people injured from the encounter with the bear. They have crews working to bring both patients off the trail alongside Regional Special Vehicles Unit - RSVU.org King County Explorer Search and Rescue Seattle Mountain Rescue while Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife works to locate the bear.

Please stay clear of this area and let your fellow hiking groups know to help keep each other safe.

King County Sheriff's Office
Washington Trails Association

****UPDATE*****

Both subjects have been brought safely off the trail as of 4:15pm.
It was reported to be a mama bear and cub. Trail is still closed.

06/12/2026

Today’s team ➡️ you’re awesome!

King County Explorer Search and Rescue

06/05/2026

We love our partners at Washington Trails Association - especially you, Loren!🥰

Thanks for giving them room to train Seattle Mountain Rescue

06/04/2026

Looking forward to a fun & safe summer season!☀️ Thanks to our friends at the North Bend Downtown Foundation & City of North Bend Government for helping us get the word out on the 10 Essentials 🎒

06/02/2026

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service is an annual award presented by the King County Council to recognize individuals who go above and beyond to serve their communities. The award is inspired by Dr. King’s famous question, "What are you doing for others?"
Congratulations, Detective Ed Christian and thank you for your leadership and dedication to search and rescue!

05/31/2026

Great response all around!!

05/21/2026

From last week’s SARposium at Remlinger Farms to today’s big news: Washington Emergency Management Division just officially shared the state proclamation declaring Search and Rescue Recognition Week! 🚨🎉

These highly skilled volunteers live, work, play, and respond across almost every county in Washington, dedicated to one critical mission: bringing loved ones home. Right here in King County, we are backed by over 600+ selfless volunteers! 🙌

A massive thank you to our incredible member units:
⛰️ King County Explorer Search and Rescue
🧗 Seattle Mountain Rescue
🛞 King County 4x4 Search and Rescue
🏔️ SPART
📋 King County Incident Support Team
🚜 Regional Special Vehicles Unit - RSVU.org
🐕 King County Search Dogs

And we have awesome partners - these are just some of them 😃:
🐾 Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART)
🛡️ King County Sheriff's Office (Air Support Unit)
🚒 Eastside Fire & Rescue
🧑‍🚒 Bellevue (WA) Fire Department

05/18/2026

Incredible work!

The team isn’t built on game day. These volunteers and SAR units train over 4 hours for every hour they’re out on a mission. 🎒