Seattle Mountain Rescue

08/22/2026

Nearly 7 in 10 Americans don't have a will - and many of those who do, may not have updated it recently.

August is many things, including Make-A-Will Month—and we're using it to start a conversation about something bigger than estate planning: the legacy each of us hopes to leave behind.

Help ensure future generations get outside and experience Washington's mountains, knowing highly trained volunteer rescuers will be there if needed. You don't have leave a large estate to leave a meaningful legacy. A gift of any size can become part of nearly 80 years of neighbors helping neighbors and rescuers bringing Everyone Home From the Backcountry.

We're proud to recognize those who make this commitment as members of the Seattle Mountain Rescue Legacy Circle. Several members of Seattle Mountain Rescue's own Board have already chosen to include SMR in their estate plans.

Have you already included Seattle Mountain Rescue in your will or estate plans? We'd love to welcome you to the Legacy Circle.

08/22/2026

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the search. We are happy that he is home safe.

Great news! Chad has been found safe!

08/20/2026

Technology is changing search and rescue—and Seattle Mountain Rescue is helping lead the way. As our Director of Emerging Technologies, Wes Cooper, told Backpacker: “It’s a cool time to be in search and rescue.”

From drones and AI to e-bikes, powered exoskeletons, and other emerging tools, new technology is helping rescuers reach people faster, safer, and more efficiently.

But innovation comes with a cost!

We don’t charge for rescues. Our rescuers aren’t paid. But Mountain Rescue isn’t free. Technical ropes. Medical supplies. Avalanche equipment. Radios. Vehicles. Drones. Fuel. Insurance. Facilities. And thousands of hours of specialized training—all are necessary to keep our volunteer rescuers ready when the call comes.

Technology doesn’t replace our rescuers. It gives them better tools to help Everyone Come Home From the Backcountry.

Read Backpacker’s look at the evolving future of search and rescue—and how Seattle Mountain Rescue is helping put emerging technology to work in the mountains: https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/search-and-robo-rescue-sar-tech-is-evolving/

As technology advances, search and rescue equipment is changing everything about how rescuers do their jobs.

Read more in the comments.

08/15/2026

August 15 is National Relaxation Day! What better way to recharge than spending time on the beautiful trails and mountains of the Pacific Northwest?

☀️ The weather looks great this weekend, so get outside, enjoy the benefits of nature—and be prepared before you go. 🥾 Safety tips: https://www.seattlemountainrescue.org/about/safety-tips/

While you’ve been enjoying summer, Seattle Mountain Rescue has been busy too. August has already brought missions, training, and countless volunteer hours preparing our rescuers for the next call.

Because while we hope you never need us, we’ll be ready if you do.

Get outside. Take in the view. Recharge. Be prepared. And come home safely. 💚 Everyone Home From the Backcountry.

08/04/2026

"One of the things I'm most thankful for is that I was able to attend my own wedding, in no small part because of Seattle Mountain Rescue."— Daniel⁠
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Earlier this summer, an ordinary day of climbing nearly changed Daniel's life forever.⁠
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A simple misunderstanding led to a devastating fall. Within minutes, Seattle Mountain Rescue volunteers were on their way—leaving work, family, and personal plans behind to help someone they had never met.⁠
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Today, Daniel has recovered, married the love of his life, and is sharing his story so others can learn from his experience.⁠
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His story is a reminder that accidents can happen to anyone, no matter their experience. It's also a reminder that every rescue depends on highly trained volunteers, specialized equipment, and a community that makes this lifesaving work possible.⁠
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If you've ever enjoyed hiking, climbing, skiing, mountain biking, trail running, or simply appreciate knowing help is there when it's needed, we invite you to read Daniel's story, "The Fall That Nearly Changed Everything" and learn how your support helps ensure everyone comes home from the backcountry.⁠
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https://www.seattlemountainrescue.org/blog/the-fall-that-nearly-changed-everything/

07/26/2026

It all started with one simple idea: climbers helping climbers. That promise became the foundation of mountain rescue—and nearly 80 years later, it remains at the heart of Seattle Mountain Rescue.

Trust isn't built through words. It's built by keeping our promises.
📖 https://www.seattlemountainrescue.org/blog/a-promise-kept/

Research continues to show that one of the strongest predictors of happiness and wellbeing isn't wealth or achievement—it's the quality of our relationships. That's the story behind our newest blog, "A Promise Kept." It's about where mountain rescue began, why those values still matter today, and how a simple promise continues to unite generations of rescuers and the communities we serve.

❤️ Read the story—and if it resonates with you, join us in keeping that promise alive for everyone who ventures into the outdoors.

07/25/2026

Every person who steps onto a trail is searching for something.

Some seek adventure. Others seek peace after loss. Parents introduce children to the wonder of the mountains. Friends reconnect around a campfire. Veterans rediscover quiet after years of noise. Families create memories that last a lifetime.

The science confirms what many of us already know: time in nature improves physical health, strengthens mental wellbeing, reduces stress, and deepens human connection.

We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience those benefits with confidence.

That's why Seattle Mountain Rescue exists.

07/19/2026

We are excited to have all the teams invited to explore Washington during the 2027 conference!

07/15/2026

Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Gursimran Singh during this incredibly difficult time.

Seattle Mountain Rescue was humbled to have been invited to assist alongside our fellow search and rescue partners in the search effort. While we always hope for a different outcome, we're grateful that he was found so his family can begin to find answers and, we hope, a measure of closure.

We extend our sincere thanks to every volunteer, aircrew, and agency that dedicated countless hours in challenging terrain. This mission was a reminder of the strength of Washington's search and rescue community and what can be accomplished when teams come together in service of others.

Rest in peace, Gursimran.

The body of a 34-year-old hiker was found in a mountain range in Whatcom County, Wash., on Monday, July 13, after he failed to return home to Canada two weeks ago.

07/12/2026

🐾 No Paws Left Behind 🐾

Friday, July 10, at 4:46 p.m., the page came in: a hiker needed help after his dog's paws became badly worn and injured on a rugged trail.

On a beautiful summer afternoon, Seattle Mountain Rescue volunteers left work, family, and their evening plans to respond. After assessing the dog's injuries, our team carefully bandaged its paws and used a Fido Pro Rescue Sling to safely carry this four-legged adventurer back to the trailhead. By the time everyone returned to command, it was nearly 10:00 p.m.

For many of us, dogs are family. When they need help in the backcountry, we're committed to doing everything we can to bring the whole family home safely.

We're especially grateful to the (duvallrotary.org) Rotary Club of Duvall for supporting our "No Paws Left Behind – SMR Rescues the Whole Family" project. Thanks to their generosity, we've ordered specialized technical canine rescue harnesses in multiple sizes, giving our volunteers even more tools to safely assist dogs in challenging terrain.

A reminder for anyone hiking with their canine companion this summer: rough rock, hot surfaces, and long miles can quickly wear down paw pads. Consider your dog's conditioning, carry plenty of water, and don't hesitate to turn around if your four-legged partner shows signs of discomfort.

Thank you to our volunteers, our community partners, and our donors who make missions like this possible. ❤️🐾