Okanogan Search and Rescue Association

10/11/2026

09/27/2026

September is National Preparedness Month, and on the trail, preparedness starts with the Ten Essentials.

Before you hit the trail, run through this list. It's not about assuming the worst, it's about being ready for anything, so a small mishap stays small.

🎒 Navigation (map, compass, or GPS)*
☀️ Sun protection
🧥 Extra clothing
🔦 Illumination
🩹 First-aid supplies
🔥 Fire
🛠️ Repair kit and tools
🍎 Extra food
💧 Extra water
⛺ Emergency shelter

Pack it, know how to use it, and you're set for whatever the day brings.

*A quick note on navigation: a map and compass are essential, but a GPS device or satellite communicator (like a Garmin inReach) can be a lifesaver when things go wrong. It can call for help even without cell service. If you hike in areas with unreliable signal, this is one essential worth investing in.

Save this post for your next trip, and tag a hiking partner who needs the reminder.

09/26/2026

OCSAR was grateful to be of service on this call.

State responds to petroleum spillage A man was pulled from the Methow River Thursday (Sept. 17) after he drove his GMC pickup pulling a tractor into the river around 2:30 p.m., near Halterman’s Hole…

09/22/2026

Okanogan County Search and Rescue team members attended a training last night on how to disarm various fi****ms as we enter hunting season. This is great knowledge to have if a rescue involved an injured hunter or hiker with a fi***rm. We need to ensure we know how to safely handle any weapons during a mission. Thank you to Stand Ready Training for this opportunity for a hands on training. https://standreadytraining.com/

09/22/2026

08/27/2026

Thank you Aero Methow for talking about this!

06/24/2026

Rattlesnake awareness post! Okanogan County has already had several rattlesnake bites this year and we wanted to provide some info about snake basics and what to do if you encounter one.

Things to know about rattlesnakes:
Found across the United States in mountains, prairies, deserts and beaches.
May use their rattles as a warning if they are feeling threatened, but do not always rattle before biting.
Are most active from spring through fall during the cooler parts of the day (early morning, late afternoon, dusk).

Prevention Tips:
Rattlesnakes would rather leave you alone! If you encounter one, walk away and do not provoke it.
Watch where you walk especially in tall grass and look before your each or grab something hidden. Stay on trails when hiking and consider leashing your dog.
Wear proper footwear when hiking, as bites commonly occur in people walking barefoot or with sandals.

Rattlesnake Bite Treatment:
In the unlikely event you are bitten by a rattlesnake, there are some steps you can take to help improve the outcome.
DO:
Seek immediate medical attention: The administration of antivenom, if needed, is most effective when given within a certain time frame after the bite.
Remove any jewelry, watches or tight clothing from near the bite area.
Wash the area gently with soap and water.
Attempt to immobilize the bitten area in a neutral position of comfort below heart level. If in a backcountry setting, follow these same steps the best you can while determining a plan to get to the trailhead, whether that’s walking on your own, being carried, or potentially other means based on the severity of your symptoms.
Cover or wrap the bite area loosely with a clean, dry bandage.
Take a picture or be able to describe the snake.
DON’T:
Attempt to capture or kill the snake: this might put you at risk for another bite.
Apply ice or a tourniquet, or attempt to suck the venom out: these treatment methods are not effective and can cause more harm.
Drink alcohol or caffeine, or take over the counter pain relievers.

SOURCES: Mayo Clinic, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

06/11/2026

The text alert can pop up at any minute, notifying search and rescue members of a missing hiker, injured climber, or overdue backcountry skier. Answering that alert is part of their daily lives, and it can come at any time, in the middle of dinner, during a snowstorm, or even while they’re laying ...

06/06/2026

This podcast has some great interviews with SAR k9 handlers from around the country. Especially good info for people who are beginners and are considering getting a dog to train as a search dog.

Pets & Animals Podcast · Updated Biweekly · Hunt-Find-Alert is a discussion about everything related to K-9 Search and Rescue. This podcast is for people involved in Search and Rescue, first responders, or people who are just interested in the …