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SAR: Close Call in Washington State

A concerned mother posted in a local Washington State Facebook group last week seeking advice regarding who to contact as her son and his friends had not returned from their hike as planned.



As a teenager and even as adults, we've all done things that we weren't prepared for - whether we knew it or not. I myself have set out on adventures without a clue of how much danger I was putting myself in, only to look back on those adventures with shock at how little I really knew. Without sounding too cliche, the best laid plans can still turn sour, and there's no better solution to a problem than prevention. I'm sharing this story to highlight the importance of having a plan and preparing for the worst.


The information provided was that a group of boys around 17 years old had set out on a hike and planned to be out for 15 hours. The next day, no one had heard from them, and the concerned mother-in-law had posted in a local group asking for help, not sure who or what organization to contact. I for one am grateful for the backpacking community being so supportive and providing her such valuable information during an incredibly stressful time, and I'm sure she is grateful for it, too. Here's some of the advice given from the community:

  • Call 911 and report the missing boys. They will contact the nearest SAR and delegate to the appropriate authorities.

  • Gather and share with the group as many details of the boys, their vehicle(s) and their planned route as possible: photos and details of the boys (age, height, clothing, etc.), vehicle make/model/color, trail, etc. so that anyone entering the park today can be on the lookout.

  • Also share this information with the police, rangers and sheriffs.

  • Try using FindMyPhone / phone tracking


The most recent update is that the boys have been found, though no details of what happened or why have been shared at this time.


What can we learn from this, and how do we prepare ourselves well enough to not have this happen?

My biggest piece of advice is to carry a satellite tracking device at all times. I carry my Garmin inReach with me any time I'm going out of service, even if just for a 2-hour hike. The top sat device choices are:


My second piece of advice is to let at least one person know your exact planned route and when you're expected to be back, and make sure your safety contact knows who to call should you not report back by the expected time. In Canada and the US, this means calling 911 and they will dispatch all the information to the proper authorities, activating nearby Search and Rescue teams.


Third, prepare for the worst. I always carry a headlamp on me, even if I don't plan on hiking in the dark or even dusk/dawn. It is also recommended to carry extra food and water as well as the appropriate gear with you in case you unexpectedly need to spend the night in the backcountry. At a minimum this could look like an emergency blanket, and at best this could be a full camp set-up including a tent and sleeping bag.


The mountains are unrelenting, and alpine weather can change quicker than you could imagine. Ensuring you follow these three tips could be the difference between an unexpected night on the mountain and a failed Search and Rescue mission. Often times, people who go missing in the mountains are found away from the trail they started on, so while SAR missions will of course start with the trail that the person(s) started on, having a satellite tracking device can provide not only direct communication with SAR crews but a more precise location, saving valuable minutes while the team searches for the missing person.


Stay safe, Wild Women.


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