Cowlitz County Search & Rescue (CCSAR) is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization committed to saving lives and serving the community through emergency response, training, and public safety outreach. We are proud to operate as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity in partnership with the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office.
Our team is composed entirely of volunteers — individuals from all walks of life who generously donate their time, skills, and resources to support search and rescue operations. We receive no direct funding from county or government agencies, relying instead on donations from the public and contributions from our own members. This spirit of service and self-reliance defines our organization and fuels our commitment to the people of Cowlitz County.
CCSAR specializes in locating, accessing, stabilizing, and transporting individuals who are lost, injured, or in distress across a wide range of environments — from remote wilderness areas to urban settings and disaster zones. Our team also assists law enforcement with evidence searches and supports criminal investigations. As part of Washington State’s emergency management framework, we participate in mutual aid missions across the region, extending our reach and impact beyond county lines.
We are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our operational area spans over 1,100 square miles of rugged terrain, dense forests, waterways, and populated communities. Whether responding to a missing hiker, assisting in a flood evacuation, or supporting a neighboring county, our team is trained to act swiftly, safely, and with compassion. We serve not only the residents of Cowlitz County but also visitors and neighboring jurisdictions when called upon.