Pacific Northwest Search & Rescue

Mission

Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue (PNWSAR) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to providing search and rescue assistance for people who are lost or injured out of doors. We provide ground search teams and other SAR resources to the official agencies responsible for search and rescue activities in our region. We are on call 24 hours a day and 365 days a year to respond quickly when called at any time, day or night, and are equipped and able to operate in challenging weather and terrain.

Bottom Line for Portland

One of the great things about living in Portalnd is the incredible access to the outdoors! While we cherish our access to nature, it comes with risks. Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue stands ready 24/7 to help when outdoor excursions go wrong. We've rescued hundreds of hikers, climbers, and explorers – perhaps even someone you know. As volunteers, we rely on community support to continue our life-saving work. Your contribution today could be someone's lifeline tomorrow. Help us keep Portland's adventurous spirit alive and safe.

Your contribution supports safe access for all in the community who enjoy our waterways, hiking trails, vistas, mountain tops, and everything in between

Quote

“Thank you to all the people who volunteer helping so many people get off trails and out of the woods safely, we greatly appreciate what you do and how kind you are PNWSAR!” -Injured hiker in the Columbia Gorge who called for assitance along Eagle Creek Trail

“Super thankful for the two crews of volunteers that hiked in to rescue our injured friend on the PCT. After helping us hike out 4.9 miles, we arrived at Wahtum Lake around 1:00 AM. with several rescue vehicles were waiting.” -PCT through hiker who called for an injured friend

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue recognizes that there are unequal societal barriers preventing people of color and other historically excluded groups from participating in outdoor recreation activities including search and rescue. As leaders in outdoor safety education and action, it is our duty to ensure our organization and our operations are welcoming to and supportive of all groups. We will not perpetuate baseless historical discrimination. We will continuously analyze our program to find ways to diversify our membership and our leadership and help make search and rescue and the Pacific Northwest equitable, accessible, and safe for all people.