Seattle Mountain Rescue

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.

05/31/2026

GearJunkie recently featured Seattle Mountain Rescue's work evaluating exoskeleton technology and how it may help rescuers move faster, carry gear more efficiently, and conserve energy during long missions in challenging terrain. These tools won't replace the skill, judgment, or dedication of our volunteers—but they may help us reach people in need sooner when every minute matters. ⏱️

As our team continues to explore innovative technologies, our mission remains the same: combining world-class volunteers with world-class tools to help ensure that everyone comes home from the backcountry. 💙

Learn more about other technologies we're evaluating: https://www.seattlemountainrescue.org/blog/new-technology-in-search-and-rescue/

Seattle Mountain Rescue is integrating exoskeletons. The results have been phenomenal.

05/29/2026

Thank you Madeline Carter, we are proud of our certified crisis canine, Ruffles Lackey.

Ruffles hopes you have a wonderful day enjoying the beautiful weather! 🐾 Her sweet, calm presence is key to keeping the Seattle Mountain Rescue team smiling through long trainings, tough climbs, and rescue missions. 💛

05/27/2026

Seattle Mountain Rescue would like to thank - The Rotary Club and The Rotary Foundation of Duvall for their generous support of our volunteer mission.

This grant will help SMR continue providing search and rescue response, mountain safety education, and emergency preparedness throughout Washington State and beyond.

We are grateful for community partners who believe in volunteer service, public safety, and helping ensure everyone comes home from the backcountry. 💙🏔️

05/26/2026

Summer is approaching, kids are getting out of school, and there are few places more beautiful than the trails and mountains of the Pacific Northwest. As more people head outdoors, recent incidents on Mount Si serve as a reminder that conditions can change quickly and even familiar trails can become challenging.

Spending time outside should create lasting memories, and preparation can make a meaningful difference when plans change unexpectedly. Before heading out, take a few minutes to check conditions, carry the essentials, and make a plan. Mountain safety tips from Seattle Mountain Rescue: https://www.seattlemountainrescue.org/about/safety-tips/

Two hiking incidents occurred in a week in the same area of Mount Si this May, one resulting in a death.

05/21/2026

🌲 HONORING OUR SEARCH AND RESCUE HEROES 🌲

From the depths of our backcountry to the frontlines of historic natural disasters, Washington’s search and rescue teams are always ready to answer the call.

We are incredibly proud to share that Governor Bob Ferguson has officially proclaimed May 16–22, 2026, as Search and Rescue Recognition Week in Washington state! 🎖️

Every single year, thousands of individuals find themselves in emergency situations requiring critical search and rescue assistance. Our unpaid SAR professionals step up without hesitation—braving treacherous terrain and severe weather conditions at great personal risk to bring the lost and injured home safely.

Whether you are exploring our beautiful national parks or navigating the great outdoors, our SAR community works tirelessly to keep Washingtonians and visitors safe.

Please join Governor Ferguson and the WA State SAR Planning Unit this week in recognizing, thanking, and celebrating the extraordinary courage and compassion of our search and rescue personnel! 🤝⛰️

05/21/2026

Thanks Madison Dapcevich - technology is changing the future of search and rescue — and Seattle Mountain Rescue is proud to help evaluate tools that may help rescuers move faster, carry gear more efficiently, and conserve energy in difficult terrain. 🏔️⚙️

“Everyone comes home from the backcountry.” 💙

The new AI-powered Hypershell X Ultra promises to cut your hiking effort by 20 percent. I took the $2,000 motorized chassis to the Grand Canyon to test whether it’s a game-changer or a gimmick.

01/12/2026

SMR took advantage of today’s conditions to train on avalanche rescue skills, rope rescue techniques, and managing patient care in a winter environment ❄️⛑️🧗‍♂️

If you’re heading into the backcountry, remember to check the avalanche forecast on NWAC, have a solid travel plan in place, and stay alert to changing snow conditions 🏔️

For more backcountry safety tips, check out our resources here:
👉 https://www.seattlemountainrescue.org/about/safety-tips/

Stay safe out there!