A Sense of Place event. The Crag Rats are the oldest mountain search and rescue team in North America, founded in 1926. This year marks 100 years of service for this all-volunteer group. Over the past century, they’ve provided lifesaving search and rescue support throughout Hood River County and beyond. From the icy slopes of Mount Hood to the steep canyons of the Columbia River Gorge, the Crag Rats have responded to injured climbers on Eliot Glacier, rescued hikers stranded by wildfires in Eagle Creek, and even searched for missing hunters as far away as Olympic National Park.

United by a deep love of the outdoors, The Crag Rats come from a wide range of backgrounds—teachers, orchardists, doctors, and outdoor professionals - each committed to taking the call when things go wrong in wild places. They’re guided by a strong sense of tradition—ranging from the lighthearted, like calling their president the “Big Squeak,” to meaningful milestones, such as finally welcoming women into the organization in 1993.

Join Christopher Van Tilburg on a journey through 100 years of rescue history, lore, tragedy, and triumphs - and speculation on what the Crag Rats future may hold.

About the Speaker:

Christopher Van Tilburg is an American physician, rescue mountaineer, and award-winning author of 11 books, including Crisis On Mount Hood: Stories from 100 Years of Mountain Rescue (Mountaineers Books, 2025). Dr. Van Tilburg is on staff at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, serves as medical director for four search and rescue teams, and serves as a USA delegate to the International Commission for Alpine Rescue. He is the Hood River County, Oregon, Public Health Officer and Medical Examiner. He has worked on six continents as an expedition physician, cruise ship doctor, and team leader on five humanitarian medical trips to Haiti. From the Wilderness Medical Society, he received the Dian Simpkins Award for Service in 2011, the Haiti Humanitarian Research Award in 2013, and the Ice Axe Award for Service in 2014. He lives in Hood River.

About Sense of Place:

For 16-years, Sense of Place has connected people through place and storytelling.Our flagship speaker series features people with unique knowledge of the Columbia River Gorge and who consider the natural and cultural history that has shaped this place. Guests have included: scientists, tribal members, authors, farmers, and many others from throughout the Pacific Northwest. The stories shared deepen our understanding of the Gorge and strengthen our connection to the landscape and to each other.Learn more about Sense of Place and check out our online archive and past events HERE. For more information, visit senseofplacegorge.org or follow on Instagram @senseofplacegorge. Subscribe to the Sense of Place Newsletter for event updates and behind-the-scenes stories.

Sense of Place is a program of Mt. Adams Institute, which provides programs that strengthen the connection between people and the natural world through education, service, career development, and research.