Two Oregon men on a quest to find Sasquatch found dead in Washington forest

Two men from Oregon were found dead in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington state after failing to return from a trip to search for Sasquatch, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The men, aged 59 and 37, were reportedly unprepared for the harsh weather conditions, which contributed to their deaths, according to the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office.

The two had ventured into the heavily wooded area of the forest, located about 150 miles northeast of Portland, to look for the mythical creature Sasquatch, a legend associated with the Pacific Northwest.

The men’s bodies were discovered following a three-day search operation, which involved 60 volunteers from search-and-rescue teams, including canine, drone, and ground units. The Coast Guard also joined the efforts, using infrared technology to search the area from the air.

A family member had reported them missing at 1 a.m. on Christmas Day after they failed to return from their Christmas Eve outing. Authorities were able to use camera recordings to pinpoint the location of the vehicle used by the men, found off Oklahoma Road near Willard, located on the southern edge of the national forest.

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office suggested that exposure to the cold and lack of proper preparation likely led to their deaths.

Criticism of the Trip and the Men’s Preparation

While the tragic deaths of the two men have prompted an outpouring of sympathy, there has also been considerable criticism of their actions and preparation for the trip.

One of the primary points of concern is the lack of adequate planning and preparation. Many have questioned why the two men ventured into the forest, a known wilderness area, without proper gear or supplies to handle the challenging weather conditions, particularly in winter.

Experts in wilderness safety have pointed out that even experienced outdoorsmen should be cautious when exploring such environments, especially during colder months. The decision to go into the woods without necessary survival equipment, including proper clothing and navigation tools, may have increased their vulnerability.

There has also been criticism regarding the nature of their search. While the legend of Sasquatch is deeply rooted in Pacific Northwest folklore, some argue that the men’s search for a mythical creature may have led them to underestimate the risks associated with the forest.

Engaging in a quest without acknowledging the real dangers of the environment seems reckless to many, especially when the wilderness can be unforgiving, particularly when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Additionally, some have pointed out that the family member who reported them missing only did so after an extended period of time, further prolonging the rescue efforts. The delay in reporting them missing may have contributed to the difficulty in locating them and increasing the time they spent exposed to the harsh conditions.

While sympathy is due for the family and friends of the deceased, experts emphasize the importance of being prepared for wilderness expeditions, even those motivated by something as intriguing as Sasquatch hunting.