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Volunteer Rescue Team Aids Stranded Adventurers in Whatcom County
Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council responds to 40-60 calls per year to assist hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts in remote areas.
Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:20pm
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Whatcom County, Washington is home to a dedicated team of volunteer search and rescue professionals who provide free emergency assistance to those in need in the region's rugged outdoor spaces. The Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council (BMRC), part of the larger Whatcom County Search and Rescue organization, responds to around 40-60 calls per year to retrieve and rescue people caught in hard-to-reach areas like the backcountry of Mt. Baker Ski Area and the Twin Sisters mountains.
Why it matters
With abundant outdoor recreation opportunities in Whatcom County, the volunteer rescue team plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of adventurers and preventing tragic outcomes when emergencies occur in remote wilderness areas. The organization's commitment to community education also helps empower residents to prepare properly for outdoor activities and avoid needing rescue services in the first place.
The details
BMRC was created in 1955 and is one of the oldest mountain rescue organizations in the country. The nonprofit, all-volunteer group is dispatched through the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office to respond to calls for help. While there is typically a 30-minute delay between a 911 call and BMRC being notified, the team emphasizes that reaching remote locations can still take hours, even for the most skilled rescuers. BMRC has about 100 members who respond from home or work, rather than staying at a central station. The organization's annual operating budget of $10,000 comes entirely from private donations.
- BMRC was created in 1955, alongside Seattle Mountain Rescue (established 1948) and Everett Mountain Rescue (established 1954).
- The national Mountain Rescue Association was founded in 1959.
The players
Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council (BMRC)
The largest branch of Whatcom County Search and Rescue, with about 100 volunteer members who respond to 40-60 calls per year to rescue people in remote outdoor areas.
Whatcom County Search and Rescue
A nonprofit, volunteer organization that includes five branches - BMRC, the 4x4 mobile unit, Summit to Sound Ground Search and Specialized Teams, Whatcom Emergency Communications Group, and Whatcom County Dive Rescue.
Thomas Meade
President of the Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council.
Mountain Rescue Association (MRA)
One of the largest authorities on search and rescue in the country, with the Washington chapter being among the most active.
What they’re saying
“We are who they call when you need EMTs in the furthest corners of the county. Eventually, we can get anywhere in the county.”
— Thomas Meade, President, Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council
“Obviously we are trying to provide an efficient service, but we are not a seven-minute response team like the fire department would be. In the grand scheme of things, it takes time. We make the drive and then hike or climb or whatever to get out there.”
— Thomas Meade, President, Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council
“Some people feel pretty bad about having to call and use the resource, but we try to push the message that it is free to call, and we are happy to assist anyone without any shame or punishment. I mean we are all volunteers, and we are happy to be doing the job.”
— Thomas Meade, President, Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council
What’s next
BMRC will be attending the backcountry meetup on April 22 at the Kulshan Brewing Sunnyland location to network with the community and raise awareness about their services.
The takeaway
Whatcom County's volunteer search and rescue team provides a vital lifeline for outdoor enthusiasts, demonstrating the power of community-driven efforts to ensure the safety of adventurers in remote wilderness areas. Their commitment to education and prevention also helps empower residents to prepare properly and avoid needing rescue in the first place.
