In a tragic event that highlights the risks of outdoor adventures, two Portland men lost their lives while searching for Sasquatch in the Washington wilderness. The Skamania County Communications Center received a missing person's report on December 25, 2024, after the men failed to return from their outing on December 24. A recently implemented Flock camera helped search teams locate their vehicle, leading to a massive three-day operation involving over 60 volunteers. The search in the challenging terrain of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest was complicated by severe weather, including freezing temperatures and heavy rain. Sadly, the bodies of the 59-year-old and 37-year-old men were found, with exposure identified as the likely cause of death due to their lack of preparedness.

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office expressed deep sympathy for the families of the deceased and gratitude to the many volunteers who risked their safety during the challenging search. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers of wilderness exploration, particularly in harsh weather conditions, reflecting the community's spirit of collaboration and resilience in times of tragedy.