Pacific Northwest Search & Rescue

Mission

Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue (PNWSAR) is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 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 assistance 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 where several rescue vehicles were waiting.” - PCT through-hiker who called for an injured friend

Incentives

Donate $30 or more during GiveGuide and receive a free PNWSAR sticker.

Donate $10 or more November 24 and be entered to win a free beginner wing foil lesson for two from Big Winds in Hood River. Retail value $350!

Donate $10 or more December 1st and be entered to win an Air Box Mini Electric Pump by Ride Engine to inflate sup, kiteboarding kites, wingfoil wings, etc. Retail value $250!

Donate $10 or more December 4-14 and be entered to win a pass to Mountain Bike Oregon happening June 25-28, 2026. An all-inclusive three-day mountain biking festival featuring Oakridge’s best singletrack, MBO includes three days of riding sweet & technical singletrack, on-site camping & bike vendors, evenings in the Hydro Flask beverage garden with free Deschutes Brewery & Oakshire beer, 2 Towns cider, wine, & Humm Kombucha & opportunities to demo the industry’s best mountain bikes also for free!

Donate $50 or more Decmeber 15-19 and be entered to win a Operator LX Dry Suit from Immersion Research and the Debrief Union suit- a one piece Polartec fleece to wear under the drysuit! Retail value $1,700!!

Donate $10 or more December 20-24 and be entered to win a $375 gift certificate from Trails Diverged for any of their Beginner's Backpacking Trips.

Donate $10 or more December 29-31 and be entered to win a $200 Gift Card to Betsy's Cabins at Mount Rainier! A group of luxury cabins nestled in the foothills of Mt. Rainier, minutes from the National Park entrance with hot tubs, fire pits, BBQ grills & more! PLUS your choice of: Ultimate Campfire Kit OR Cabin Breakfast Basket.

Partner(s)

Bark is the resource for community action to protect Mt. Hood National Forest.

They use volunteer power and legal tools to monitor, document, and influence logging and restoration activities in Mt. Hood National Forest. Since 1999, Bark has saved tens of thousands of acres from destructive logging projects that would have harmed Mt. Hood's forests and watersheds.

Mountain Bike Oregon takes place just outside Oakridge and Westfir, located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains at the base of the famous Alpine Trail. Only 50 minutes from Eugene, the greater Oakridge area is home to incredible natural landscapes and hundreds of miles of world-class singletrack that’ll leave your mind blown and your legs weak.

Showers Pass has a reputation as a brand  built on their use of high-performance materials in combination with innovative, functional designs. They are most widely known for their waterproof-breathable outerwear, but their performance apparel, waterproof socks, gloves, and waterproof bags are equally awesome. Their products are used by road cyclists, mountain bikers, mountaineers, runners, skiers, paddlers, endurance athletes, first responders: those whose lifestyles demand high performance and reliability from their gear.