Two men from Portland, Oregon, died while searching for Sasquatch during Christmas week, according to information released by the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO). The pair, aged 59 and 37, were reported missing on Christmas Day after failing to return home on December 24 as planned.
The initial report came from a family member, who contacted the Skamania County Communications Center around 1 a.m. on December 25. Using a “flock camera” system, which reads license plates, authorities were able to locate the men’s vehicle near Oklahoma Road in the vicinity of Willard, Washington.
The search effort, which spanned three days, involved over 60 volunteers along with specialized resources. These included search dogs, drones, ground teams, and an aerial asset from the U.S. Coast Guard. Searchers faced significant challenges, including freezing temperatures, snow, high water levels, heavy rain, and difficult terrain in the heavily wooded Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
The bodies of the two men were discovered in a remote section of the forest. Preliminary findings suggest both deaths were due to exposure, exacerbated by severe weather and inadequate preparation for the conditions, the sheriff’s office reported.
Maybe they found it. 2 Oregon men die from exposure in a forest after they went out to look for Sasquatch https://t.co/CP9zeSNiGi
— Douglas Pierre (@pdougmc) December 30, 2024
In a statement shared on social media, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the volunteers who sacrificed time during the holiday week to aid in the search. The office acknowledged the challenging conditions faced by the search and rescue teams, stating that the efforts allowed the men’s families to gain closure during a tragic time.
“The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the loved ones lost in this tragic incident,” the statement read.
The identities of the deceased were not released, with officials only providing their ages. The sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of preparation when venturing into wilderness areas, particularly during winter months when conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous.
The Gifford Pinchot National Forest, known for its dense woods and rugged terrain, has long been a focal point for enthusiasts and researchers of Sasquatch, or Bigfoot, lore. In 2019, a blog post by the Travel Channel highlighted Washington State as the “world’s most active region” for Sasquatch sightings, including reports from the Blue Mountains and Okanogan County.
Despite the mythos surrounding Sasquatch, the search for the creature has occasionally led to accidents or tragedies, as was the case with the Portland men. Their deaths serve as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers involved in exploring remote wilderness areas.
