Idaho Mountain Search & Rescue Unit

Mission Recap – Multi-Day Search and Vehicle Recovery, Highway 55

On May 31, Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue was requested by the Valley County Sheriff's Office to assist with a search and recovery operation following a vehicle crash into the North Fork of the Payette River near Smiths Ferry.

Over multiple operational periods, IMSARU volunteers worked alongside the Valley County Sheriff's Office, Valley County Search and Rescue, Idaho State Police, Boise County Sheriff's Office, Idaho Transportation Department, Cascade Fire Department, and the FBI's Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST). Search efforts included ground teams, drone operations, investigative support, and detailed searches of both sides of the river corridor.

On June 1, IMSARU's Technical Rescue Team assisted with a complex vehicle recovery operation in challenging river conditions. Working in close coordination with Code Red Towing, and an expert kayaker from Cascade Raft & Kayak, teams established rope systems and rigging to safely access and remove the vehicle from the river. The operation was completed without incident, and no occupants were found inside the vehicle.

Search efforts continued throughout the incident as teams gathered information, refined search plans, and conducted ongoing searches of the river corridor. Drone teams, ground searchers, and planning team members worked together to follow up on new information and ensure all viable areas were thoroughly evaluated.

This mission highlights the value of strong interagency coordination, and we are grateful for the collaboration and professionalism of everyone involved.

Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones affected by this incident.

We would like to thank everyone who attended todays Open House! Our team had a blast demonstrating technical skills, drone operations, rescue equipment and educating the public about outdoor safety!

Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue gives behind-the-scenes look at rescue missions

Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue gives behind-the-scenes look at rescue missions Throughout the event, volunteers spoke with families about mountain safety, rescue preparedness, and the many ways the organization assists agencies throughout Idaho.

Around 7:30 this evening while wrapping up a Backcountry Basics class for the public, IMSARU was called out by the Boise Police Department to assist in the search for a missing child. Our ground teams, urban bike, and drone team responded and were preparing to deploy when BPD safely located the child and stood us down.

This callout follows a more somber one that took place over the weekend. A huge thank you to Boise Police Department and Boise County Search & Rescue for the calls and the swift work that brought these cases to closure. We're grateful for the trust these agencies place in us, and we're always ready to serve our community when the call comes -whatever the hour, whatever the conditions and in whatever way we can serve our partner agencies.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18HJZMKK7W/

BCSAR MISSION RELEASE

On Saturday May 16 at approximately 09:52 Boise County Search and Rescue was contacted by the Boise County Sheriff's office to search and locate a missing camper in the Lowman area. Friends of the camper stated the last time they saw him was roughly 10:30 the night of the 15th and they woke up at roughly 06:30 on the 16th and their friend was missing. All vehicles were present at the camp site, so it was presumed that the missing man was on foot. Due to the large search area Boise County Search and Rescue requested the assistance of Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue. Boise County Search and Rescue established an incident command post in Lowman at Highway 21 and Bear Valley Rd. Boise County Search and Rescue and Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue met at the incident command location established a plan and deployed to the search area with multiple ATV’s, UTV’s, drones and search teams on foot.

Roughly 14:30 hours a search team that was walking the water way located an individual in the water that was later confirmed to be the missing camper. The scene was immediately turned over to the Boise County Coroner’s Office. The individual was pulled from the water and transferred to the incident command location following an investigation by the Deputy Coroner on scene. It was brought to the attention of the deputy coroner on scene that the individual was a Marine Corp veteran. The deputy coroner made sure the individual was draped with an American Flag as he was transferred to funeral services.

A special thanks To the Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue for the rapid deployment and assistance in this joint mission. This is a great example of successful teamwork.
Another special thanks to the Boise County Sheriffs office dispatchers who quickly notified Boise County Search and Rescue and kept us up to date with new information.

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased Veteran.

“Once a Marine, always a Marine” (Semper Fi)

🚨 REMINDER: OPEN HOUSE 🚨

Ever wondered what it takes to save lives? Now’s your chance to find out.

Join us for our Open House and get an inside look at how our team trains, responds, and makes a difference when it matters most.

🔎 What to expect:
• Live demonstrations of rescue techniques
• Meet our trained volunteers and team leaders
• Hands-on equipment displays
• Information on how YOU can get involved

Whether you're looking to volunteer, learn new skills, or just see what we do—this event is open to everyone.

💬 Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity.
💪 Leave inspired.

Idaho Gives is officially open!

As a 100% volunteer team that never charges for our services, community support is what allows us to respond—day or night—when someone doesn’t make it home.

This year, we’re raising funds for a new rescue truck—an essential piece of equipment that allows us to safely reach people in the remote, technical terrain where we operate.

Thanks to a very generous donor, we have a $45,000 challenge match for Idaho Gives. Every dollar you give will be matched, doubling the impact of your support and helping us get closer to our goal. It’s a powerful opportunity to ensure that when the call comes, we’re ready to go.

To donate: https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/idaho-mountain-search-and-rescue-unit

Save the date for Idaho Gives!

Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue is excited to participate in this year's annual statewide giving event, Idaho Gives, May 4-7, 2026. As a 100% volunteer team that never charges for our services, community support is what allows us to respond—day or night—when someone doesn’t make it home.

This year, we’re raising funds for a new rescue truck—an essential piece of equipment that allows us to safely reach people in the remote, technical terrain where we operate. Our current fleet is aging, and this new vehicle will directly support our ability to respond quickly, carry critical gear, and keep both our volunteers and the people we’re searching for safe.

Thanks to a very generous donor, we have a $45,000 challenge match for Idaho Gives. Every dollar you give will be matched, doubling the impact of your support and helping us get closer to our goal. It’s a powerful opportunity to ensure that when the call comes, we’re ready to go.

Are you interested in learning about Backcountry Basics? Please join us for a night of trip planning and emergency preparedness! Spots are limited - sign up today! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/backcountry-basics-tickets-1987570868973?aff=oddtdtcreator

Mission Recap – Lost Hikers, Boise County

Late in the evening on March 17, Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue was requested by the Boise County Sheriff’s Office to assist with two lost hikers in the Upper Dry Creek area south of Bogus Basin. The hikers were cold, hungry, and one had minor injuries that made hiking out difficult.

Eighteen IMSARU volunteers responded. Using location data from the hikers’ cell phones, teams were able to quickly identify their position and coordinate a response. Ground teams deployed with medical supplies, warm clothing, food, and litter equipment, while additional personnel supported coordination and communications from the base.

Boise County Deputies reached the hikers shortly after midnight, and IMSARU teams arrived soon after and provided warming, food, and initial medical assessment. Once stabilized, the hikers were able to walk out with assistance. Drone support from the Boise Police Department provided overhead lighting to assist teams navigating the terrain in the dark.

All teams returned safely to base and the subjects were evaluated on scene by paramedics from Acute Rescue and Transport.

This mission highlights the value of rapid coordination, technology, and teamwork in bringing incidents to a safe resolution.

🚨 OPEN HOUSE 🚨

Ever wondered what it takes to save lives? Now’s your chance to find out.

Join us for our Open House and get an inside look at how our team trains, responds, and makes a difference when it matters most.

🔎 What to expect:
• Live demonstrations of rescue techniques
• Meet our trained volunteers and team leaders
• Hands-on equipment displays
• Information on how YOU can get involved

Whether you're looking to volunteer, learn new skills, or just see what we do—this event is open to everyone.

💬 Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity.
💪 Leave inspired.