Crag Rats

The Crag Rats are the oldest volunteer mountain search and rescue organization in the United States. Based in Hood River, Oregon, they are an all-volunteer, nonprofit rescue agency primarily covering Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.

History

Founded in 1926 by A.L. Anderson, a lumberman from Hood River, the organization was established following a search for a missing seven-year-old on Mount Hood. The name "Crag Rats" originated from the comment of a founding member's wife, who noted that the men spent so much time on the crags of the mountain that they were like "crag rats" [1]. Initially, a group of Hood River Valley residents were informally involved in search and rescue missions, including one in 1923 for a lost boy. Their official organization was solidified in 1926 after they were again called upon to search for another lost boy on Mount Hood [3].

Operations

Operating under the direction of local authorities like the Hood River County Sheriff's office, the Crag Rats conduct rescue operations for those lost, stranded, or injured in the popular recreation areas surrounding the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mount Hood National Forest. They maintain mutual aid agreements with regional peer groups in Oregon and Washington, enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies across the area [3]. In addition to their search and rescue services, the Crag Rats are specifically certified for technical rock and avalanche rescues, making them a vital resource in high-risk mountain environments [4].

Facilities and Activities

The Crag Rats maintain Cloud Cap Inn, located at an elevation of 6,000 feet on the north side of Mount Hood. The Inn serves as an advance base for mountain rescues and is not open to the public [4]. The organization also uses the Crag Rat Hut as their clubhouse, which can be rented as an event venue. Rental income from the hut supports the Crag Rats' search and rescue mission [2].

Notable Achievements and Recognition

The Crag Rats were a charter member of the Mountain Rescue Association in 1959, reflecting their early commitment to standardized rescue techniques and certifications [3]. They are still recognized as America's oldest mountain search and rescue organization, maintaining a high level of expertise in technical rock and avalanche rescues. Despite their long history, the Crag Rats continue to be active in their primary focus area of Mount Hood and the Columbia Gorge [4].

Funding and Support

As a nonprofit organization, the Crag Rats rely on donations to fund equipment purchases and training. This financial support is crucial for maintaining their operational capabilities and ensuring they remain current and effective in their rescue missions [5].