Did you know that between just Memorial Day and Independence Day this year (2025), there were 27 backcountry rescue missions? Doesn't sound like a lot until you realize this is a 400% increase for the month of May and a 550% increase for June! What's driving this increase? Search and Rescue teams point to a combination of increased outdoor activity and inexperienced hikers/campers contributing to the spike in search and rescue operations, especially in regions with accessible mountain trails and severe weather conditions.

Most rescues are preventable, stemming from lack of preparation, exceeding abilities, and underestimating environmental challenges.

According to reporting from search & rescue teams and regional news, these rescues most frequently involved:

• Ill-prepared or inexperienced hikers tackling famous but challenging trails (Mailbox Peak, Mount Si, Snow Lake)

• People underestimating trail difficulty and weather conditions—often influenced by social media posts rather than thorough research

• Hikers venturing on treacherous terrain in inadequate footwear/clothing (“flip-flops” and street shoes)

• Failure to carry, or know how to use, the “Ten Essentials” (navigation tools, extra clothing, food/water, first aid, etc.)

• Many rescues were needed after dark or in deteriorating weather—about 26% occur between 8pm and midnight

• Unfamiliarity with route, starting too late in the day, and not informing anyone of plans

• In some cases, careless or reckless decisions (one involved a hiker lost while using drugs)

• Most rescued individuals lived outside the county or were new to backcountry hiking

  
  

So, how do you avoid becoming a news story? Glad you asked.

10 Ways to Prevent Backcountry Rescues:

1. Do Thorough Research: Know your intended route, check current trip reports, trail conditions, and understand the true difficulty of your hike—not just what’s posted on social media.

2. Check the Weather (and Trail Reports): Weather in the Pacific Northwest mountains changes fast. Always check a credible forecast before departure and pay attention to warnings about snow, rain, or storms.

3. Start Early: Begin your hike early in the day to allow ample time for completion in daylight.

4. Carry the Ten Essentials: Bring navigation aids, extra clothing, sufficient food and water, fire starter, first aid kit, headlamp, sun protection, emergency shelter, knife/multi-tool, and a signaling device (like a whistle).

5. Wear Appropriate Footwear and Clothing: Use sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes/boots—never street shoes or flip-flops. Dress in layers suitable for rapidly changing mountain conditions.

6. Know Your Limits: Be realistic—choose trails within your physical and technical abilities, and don’t overestimate your fitness. If you’re inexperienced, start with easier hikes.

7. Tell Someone Your Plan: Always let a responsible person know your exact destination and expected return time.

8. Don’t Go Alone (or Stay Together): Hike with a companion and keep your group together. If solo, carry a locator beacon, and be extra vigilant with preparation.

9. Turn Back if Necessary: If you encounter difficult conditions, unexpected obstacles, or your group is tired—turn around in time. “Summit fever” leads to most accidents.

10. Stay Put if Lost or Injured: If you become disoriented or hurt, don’t keep wandering. Stay put, stay warm, and signal for help—this increases your chance of timely rescue.

Remember, Nature doesn't care if you live or die, and most backcountry rescues could be avoided, by utilizing the one thing we human beings have that has made us the dominant species on this planet, our intelligence. Use it and reduce the risk yourself, other outdoors adventurers and the volunteer rescuers who answer the calls.