Two men from Oregon have been tragically found dead in a Washington state forest following their search for Sasquatch, popularly known as Bigfoot. The men, aged 37 and 59, had been reported missing after they failed to return from their expedition on Christmas Eve. Their families raised concerns, leading to a search operation that commenced on Christmas Day, as reported by the NPR.

The bodies were located in the heavily wooded areas of Gifford Pinchot National Forest after a three-day search involving over 60 volunteers and various search teams. The Skamania County Sheriff's Office indicated that the men’s deaths appear to be caused by exposure to severe weather conditions during their outing. The area had experienced harsh weather, including rounds of snow and temperatures plummeting to the 30s, posing significant risks to their unpreparedness.

After camera records helped locate their vehicle off Oklahoma Road near Willard, the search teams battled difficult terrain, adverse weather, and elevation barriers. The search, described as “gruelling,” utilized dogs, drones, and even infrared technology from the U.S. Coast Guard, as mentioned by USA Today.

Comments from the Skamania County Sheriff's Office highlighted their appreciation for the volunteers, who made significant sacrifices during the holiday season amid challenging conditions to bring closure to the victims' families. “Their exhaustive search efforts resulted in bringing family members home to their loved ones,” they stated.

Sasquatch, the mythical figure drawing many to the region, has long been the subject of folklore, with more than 700 reported sightings in Washington alone. The legends about this elusive creature date back centuries, with descriptions likening it to a “bipedal ape-like creature” covered in thick hair. The existence of Sasquatch continues to be a topic of intrigue and debate across communities in the Pacific Northwest.

In Skamania County, laws exist to protect this legendary being, which humorously include fines for harming Sasquatch – a symbolic gesture to draw attention to its mysterious place in local culture.