Volcano Rescue Team

02/28/2026

Follow our new page for all our updates.

01/12/2026

Curious what we’re up to this winter? Follow our new profile @ Volcano Rescue Team

11/14/2025

Curious what the Volcano Rescue Team has been up to lately? Be sure to follow our new Facebook profile here https://www.facebook.com/ncemsvrt/

09/22/2025

We are moving our primary VRT profile to another account. Please follow the new VRT page at https://www.facebook.com/ncemsvrt/ to keep seeing our content. Thanks!

Welcome to the new Facebook profile for the Volcano Rescue Team!

Formed in 1986, we’re an MRA accredited rescue team responding primarily in the Mt. St. Helens area in Southwest Washington.

07/24/2025

High-Angle Rescue at Ape Cave.

​Late Wednesday evening, VRT was dispatched to Ape Cave to assist a father and child in distress. They had reportedly attempted to climb out through the cave's skylight feature and were unable to ascend or descend.
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The father was able to reach a safe ledge. However, the child, who had climbed higher, was experiencing fatigue and struggling to maintain their hold on the vertical rock face.
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Upon the VRT's arrival, it was discovered that bystanders had managed to wedged a log down from the top, positioning it just below the child. This provided essential support and most likely averted a significant fall into the cave.
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Utilizing a rope system a rescuer was lowered to safely secure the child and lower them to the cave floor. A second rescuer followed to secure the father, who was also lowered safely to the cave floor. Both individuals were then assisted out of the cave by rescuers and escorted back to the parking lot.
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These incidents serve as a reminder that
caves can be dangerous,
Always research and understand your route and exits before you go. Make sure you're carrying essential gear, including two sources of light per person, first-aid kit, and layer up with warm clothing.
(Ape cave is a constant 42° even in the summer).
Being prepared makes all the difference for a safe and enjoyable exploration.

The U.S. Forest Service also has lots of good info regarding the Ape Cave on their website.

07/17/2025

It’s our busy season! Over the past month and a half, the VRT has responded on multiple calls including rescues, searches and general assists.

June 6th - Responded for a missing climber on Mt. St. Helens, who was located and returned safely to his vehicle.

June 10th - Assisted a climber with an injured ankle on the summer climbing route.

June 20th - Assisted a climber struggling to descend the summer climbing route.

June 29th - Performed a litter rescue for a subject with a dislocated knee at the Ape Caves.

July 4th - Responded along with North Country EMS to a reported seizure on the Siouxon Trail.

July 9th - Performed a litter rescue for a subject with a broken ankle on the Lewis River Trail.

July 13th: Completed litter rescue for a subject with an injured ankle several miles up the Loowit Trail between June Lake Trail and Ape Canyon.

July 15th: Along with North Country EMS, assisted a struggling, dehydrated climber two miles back to their vehicle.

Many of these incidents took place on the summer climbing route of Mt. St. Helens. This is a challenging, exposed climb with no water sources. If you or your loved ones are planning a climb or hike in this area, make sure to pack the ten essentials with a big emphasis on plenty of water, electrolytes, food, and sun protection! It’s also crucial to know your personal limitations and when to turn around.