Crisis on Mount Hood: Stories from a Hundred Years of Mountain Rescue

At 11,249 feet, Mount Hood is the fourth highest peak in the Cascade Mountain Range, the tallest peak in Oregon, and, on a clear day, the picturesque backdrop for Portland. It is also one of North America’s most popular climbing destinations, boasting the reputation as the most-climbed glaciated peak. With such popularity amongst hikers and climbers, the mountain has seen its share of accidents, misfortunes, and, subsequently, its share of rescues. Many of these rescues were performed by the Hood River Crag Rats. Formed in 1926, it is the oldest all-volunteer search and rescue team, and many of their rescues are part of a new compilation.

Crisis on Mount Hood: Stories From 100 Years of Mountain Rescue is written by Christopher Van Tilburg, author, physician, and most importantly, member of the Hood River Crag Rats. Through historical documents, interviews, and his own personal experiences, Van Tilburg brings to the reader many of these stories of rescue over the past century. Obviously, not part of all these anecdotes, Van Tilburg recreated accounts, adding his own flair for extra excitement. Now, the reader can experience some of what goes on during these dramatic rescues from a safe and comfortable distance.