Two men from Portland were reported missing on Christmas Day after they failed to return home as planned on Dec. 24. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a family member of the two men, who were searching for Sasquatch. Their car was located off of Oklahoma Road near Willard, Washington, thanks to a license plate reader. Search and rescue teams, including volunteers, canines, drones, and ground search teams, along with a U.S. Coast Guard air asset, spent three days looking for the missing men.
After a grueling search over difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions, the two men, aged 59 and 37, were located, deceased, in a heavily wooded area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Both men died of exposure, likely due to weather conditions and being ill-prepared for the environment. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office expressed their condolences to the families of the men and thanked the volunteers who assisted in the search despite challenging conditions. The men’s names were not released to the public.
The incident involving the two men highlights the dangers of entering the wilderness unprepared, particularly during winter months. The harsh weather conditions, freezing temperatures, snow, high water levels, heavy rain, and difficult terrain made the search for the men challenging for rescuers. Despite the efforts of search and rescue teams and volunteers, the men tragically lost their lives in the pursuit of Sasquatch.
Washington State is known for being an active region for Sasquatch sightings, with areas like the Blue Mountains and Okanogan County being particularly notable for encounters. The Travel Channel has labeled Washington as the “world’s most active region” for Sasquatch sightings, citing aggressive encounters in Okanogan County. The case of the two men from Portland adds to the lore of Sasquatch sightings and the dangers that can accompany searching for the mythical creature in the wilderness.
The tragic deaths of the two men serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared when venturing into the wilderness. Proper gear, knowledge of the area, and understanding of potential risks are essential for ensuring safety while exploring remote areas. The search and rescue efforts for the missing men highlighted the dedication and commitment of volunteers and emergency responders who worked tirelessly to locate them, despite the challenging conditions they faced.
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office expressed deep sympathies to the families of the men who lost their lives during the search for Sasquatch. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with searching for mythical creatures in the wilderness, as well as the importance of being prepared and informed when engaging in outdoor activities. The tragedy of the two men from Portland underscores the challenges and dangers that can arise when exploring remote and rugged landscapes, particularly during winter months.
