Who are the Crag Rats?
Formed in 1926, the Crag Rats are the oldest mountain search and rescue organization in North America. They are also founding members of the Mountain Rescue Association. Before the group was formed, climbers from the Hood River Valley were called on in 1926 to search for a lost boy, joining the Forest Service, US Army, and groups from Portland. After several days, the Hood River climbers found the boy and returned him to his parents. Reporters covering the search asked the men the name of their group. One man remembered a comment one of their wives made when they had discussed forming a search and rescue group. You ought to call yourselves the Crag Rats because youre nothing but a bunch of rats who play in the crags, she had joked. We are the Crag Rats, he declared. And so the group was born. The Crag Rats were formally organized that August. They still wear the signature black and white checkered shirts that they have worn since 1926. The Crag Rats remain active in search and rescue o
