Expedition: Into the Heart of Gifford Pinchot – June 2025
- mmartinson2
- Jun 1, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: May 12
June 1st, 2025 - Our Ninth Trip of the year
As members of the BFRO (Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization), our work goes far beyond investigating submitted sightings. We also dedicate countless hours to planning and leading expeditions in the field—and our June expedition marked the ninth trip of 2025. This was the second expedition co-led by myself, Alan, and our good friend and fellow researcher, Scott Taylor.
Why Gifford Pinchot?
We've spent years exploring the rugged beauty of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, meticulously scouting locations based on both the volume and credibility of Bigfoot sighting reports. Here’s something wild:
Pierce County, WA: 83 publicly reported sightings with a population nearing one million.
Skamania County, WA (home to most of Gifford Pinchot): 65 public reports… with a population of just under 12,000.
Those stats speak volumes. High-density areas should yield more reports, but here, rural Skamania County nearly matches Pierce—and it might be because this vast wilderness draws them in. Fewer people doesn’t mean fewer encounters; it might just mean fewer eyes to report them.
That's why Gifford Pinchot remains our go-to.
Planning the Expedition
Originally, we set a July expedition at the same location as the previous year, which filled up quickly—by November. So we decided to add another in June. That location, chosen in early December, would soon become unexpectedly notable.
On Christmas Eve, two individuals who we did not know in the Bigfoot research community tragically went missing—and were later found deceased—just miles from our planned June site.
We had always wanted to explore this area, but previous attempts had fallen through. Now, finally, conditions aligned. While we didn’t want to spook our attendees, we kept the backstory on the down-low, focusing on safety and preparedness.
Arrival & Basecamp Setup
Alan and I arrived a day early to set up our 32-foot 5th wheel, scout the area on foot and bike, and find optimal sun for our solar and Starlink setups. After some careful maneuvering (and two attempted lockouts by our feline co-pilot Booger the Bigfooter—thankfully we had spare keys!), we were ready.
Over the next few days, we established basecamp and explored potential trails for night hikes. By Thursday, June 5th, all participants had arrived—from as far as Wyoming, Arizona, and California. We had a great mix of folks, all united by curiosity and the thrill of the unknown.
Booger, leashed and proud, quickly became the unofficial greeter of the camp—stealing hearts and securing her place as a core member of our welcoming committee.
The Welcome Meeting (and “I Saw Bigfoot” Guy)
Our welcome meeting went smoothly—except for one energetic attendee, Mark, who had gone out for a drive with our friend Mike Brotherton and was convinced he saw a Bigfoot. He declared it at least ten times during the meeting, blurting out “I SAW BIGFOOT!” to the point that it became a running joke.
After the welcoming meeting Scott was in charge of making hamburgers and hot dogs and I was in charge of the potato salad and we all gathered together for our first cookout!
We organized a signup board for night ops, with options for hikes or drives. Alan was on drone duty, though flying thermal in June under Gifford’s dense canopy proved tricky—no heat signatures were detected.
Field Activity & A Strange Encounter
On the second night, we again had a group meeting followed by more hamburgers and hotdogs and some homemade chili and cornbread. Alan camped remotely with our friend Mike and the ever-excited Mark. Meanwhile, I led a trail team. As we wrapped our loop, a small group—including me, Mel Skahan, his wife Kristy, and another attendee—continued exploring.
We turned off onto a culvert when Mel began flexing his hands. I asked Krissy what was up—she didn’t know either. When questioned, Mel said he felt electricity running up and down his body. As we moved forward, it intensified. He finally said we needed to turn back.
Not long after, a strong breeze carried a powerful dog poop smell—yet we were deep in the forest, far from any dogs. We walked through this mysterious stench for about 30 yards before it dissipated.
Back at camp, the evening carried on with good company, laughter, and a little too much wine. Around 2:00 AM, we heard something large moving through the creek. Our friend Virgil went to check it out but tripped over a barbecue on the way back and face-planted—sending gear flying everywhere. Janice and I (his so-called “battle buddies”) couldn’t help ourselves—we ran off laughing. Maybe not our most supportive moment!
Meanwhile, our friends Alison and Michael had their own experience. Something approached from the creek, and Alison, terrified, pretended to be asleep-snoring loudly. Poor Michael had no idea why she was doing this and she was too scared to explain!
Wrapping Up
On our final night we gathered after our meeting for a potluck and our friend Virgil made bbq ribs that were fall off the bone delicious! This night was calm—no major activity, but full of connection and stories under the stars. The next morning came too quickly, and we packed up with the familiar bittersweet feeling that comes at the end of every great expedition.
We left Gifford Pinchot filled with memories, surrounded by new friends, and grateful for the magic this place continues to bring.
Until the next one, stay curious, stay safe—and keep your eyes (and ears) open out there.
— The BFRO Expedition Team
Great video