Seattle Mountain Rescue

06/18/2026

Join us in celebrating the great work done today by King County Explorer Search and Rescue and Regional Special Vehicles Unit - RSVU.org!!

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.

06/17/2026

Yesterday, two teenage hikers on Mt. Si experienced a rare encounter with a mother bear traveling with her cubs. A small team from Seattle Mountain Rescue was training nearby when the mission began and was able to quickly reach the teens, provide assistance, and help coordinate their safe evacuation. Working alongside other King County Search and Rescue teams, the hikers were escorted back to the trailhead and transferred to waiting ambulance personnel for further evaluation.

While incidents like this are uncommon, they serve as an important reminder that we share Washington's wild places with wildlife. In general, bears avoid people, but mother bears can become defensive when they perceive a threat to their cubs. Respecting nature means giving wildlife plenty of space, staying alert to your surroundings, and never approaching wildlife at close range.

To read more, about When Things Go Wrong in the Backcountry:
https://www.seattlemountainrescue.org/blog/when-things-go-wrong-in-the-backcountry/

If you encounter a bear, remain calm. Identify yourself as a human by standing upright, waving your arms, and speaking in a calm, low voice. Slowly back away while giving the bear an escape route.

According to Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Washington State, the only recorded fatal black bear attack occurred in 1974. Since 1970, state authorities have documented approximately 20 human-black bear encounters resulting in injury. These incidents remain extremely rare, but they remind us that preparation, awareness, and respect for wildlife help keep both people and animals safe.

Help us make sure Everyone Comes Home from the Backcountry!

https://youtu.be/0NmY2r_xQDk?si=6M2vruuheJxY-007

Two teens who suffered minor injuries during a bear attack on Mount...

06/13/2026

🐾 Don’t forget your hiking buddy!
Summer hiking safety isn’t just for people. Bring extra water for your dog, watch for signs of overheating, and know when it’s time to turn around.

At Seattle Mountain Rescue, we’re prepared to rescue the whole family—because everyone deserves to come home from the backcountry, including our four-legged companions.

Learn more summer hiking safety tips here:
https://www.seattlemountainrescue.org/blog/summer-hiking-safety-staying-safe-as-temperatures-rise/

☀️ Start early • 💧 Stay hydrated • 🧂 Bring electrolytes • 🐾 Care for your canine partner

06/11/2026

☀️ Summer hiking season is here, and warmer temperatures mean it's time to plan ahead before hitting the trail.

Tell us where you are planning to spend this weekend!!

✅ Quick Summer Hiking Checklist:
• Start early
• Carry 0.5–1 liter of water per hour
• Bring electrolytes and salty snacks
• Know your route
• Be prepared for changing mountain conditions
• Carry the Ten Essentials
• Tell someone your plan
• Call 911 early if you need help

A little preparation can go a long way so you can enjoy Washington's incredible outdoors.

Everyone Comes Home from the Backcountry. 🌲

06/09/2026

As a charter member of SMR, Jim helped lay the foundation for an organization that has served the Pacific Northwest for nearly eight decades. Long before becoming the first American to summit Mount Everest, Jim was part of a small group of passionate climbers and rescuers who believed that when someone needed help in the mountains, you answered the call.

His spirit of service, leadership, adventure, and stewardship continues to influence our team today. Every mission we respond to, every rescuer we train, and every life we touch carries a piece of that legacy forward.

Thank you, Jim, for helping build the trail that so many of us continue to follow.

The Whittaker family invites you to celebrate the incredible life of Jim Whittaker.

06/06/2026

Do you know about the three T’s?

Happy National Trails Day! Hiking this weekend? Don't forget the three Ts: Leave a trip plan with a responsible person back home, make sure you have the right training for your adventure, and take the essentials.

06/05/2026

Thank you, Washington Trails Association! We were honored to host Crew Leader College at the Mountain Rescue Center.

We share a common goal: helping people safely enjoy Washington’s outdoors while protecting the trails and wild places that make our state so special. We’re grateful for the dedication of WTA volunteers and the impact they make across the state.

We look forward to growing our partnership and creating more opportunities to educate, inspire, and serve the outdoor community together.

Here's to volunteers supporting volunteers! 🏔️💙

06/03/2026

Thank you Ed Christian for your dedication. We appreciate your tireless work!

05/31/2026

This is the sound of a .tech exoskeleton as search and rescue hikes in on a rescue.

05/31/2026

On Saturday, May 30 at 1:41 p.m., Seattle Mountain Rescue was paged to assist an injured hiker near Kendall Katwalk after slipping on lingering snow, which resulted in significant injuries. The temperatures in our mountains are still cold, creating an additional risk of hypothermia while awaiting rescue.

SMR responders quickly mobilized and utilized one of the exoskeleton systems to help move equipment and personnel efficiently through the challenging terrain. Working alongside our fellow King County Search and Rescue teams, the subject received care and was safely evacuated.

Snow can be deceptively slippery—even late in the season. A single misstep can quickly turn a great day outdoors into an emergency.

Accidents happen. That’s why Search and Rescue volunteers train year-round and stand ready to help, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And in Washington State, SAR services are provided free of charge. 💙

Want to learn more about how King County’s SAR teams work together during missions? Check out: https://www.seattlemountainrescue.org/blog/understanding-search-rescue-in-king-county/

🏔️ Everyone Comes Home From the Backcountry.