Two men from Oregon, Portland, died reportedly while on a search expedition for Sasquatch popularly known as Bigfoot in the deep Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington State. The two, 37-year-old and 59, had ventured into the deep forest searching for proof about the legendary creature that everybody had heard about but yet to be found. When they did not return after the day of their disappearance, rescue teams started a search exercise.
A family member had sounded the alarm on Christmas Day after the two men did not return from an expedition. Over 60 volunteers, aircraft, and dogs participated in this three-day search operation, facing harsh, freezing conditions. The rescuers’ journey was through difficult terrain, from snow-covered areas to fallen trees, with low temperatures and high water levels in the nearby rivers.
According to the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, the deaths were likely due to exposure. The frigid weather, which included snow, freezing rain, and sub-zero temperatures, left the men ill-prepared for the harsh conditions they encountered. Both men were found near Willard, Washington after the authorities discovered their vehicle in the area.
Though Bigfoot, a mythic forest-dwelling creature, has long been part of local folklore in the Pacific Northwest, and hundreds of sightings have been reported in the region, it remains an unproven cryptid. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest, where the men went missing, is a known hotspot for Sasquatch sightings, and the search for the creature has drawn many adventurers and enthusiasts over the years.
In the region, Sasquatch is legally protected and in Skamania County, anyone who harms it could face jail time up to one year or a fine of $1,000. While these safeguards are comedic, the seriousness of this incident reminds us of the perils that may follow an exploration of the wild, particularly in extreme conditions.
The identities of the two men have not been made public by authorities, but the tragedy underlines the need for preparation and safety when exploring remote and unforgiving environments.
