Authorities began searching for the men, both from Portland in Oregon, after they didn’t return from a trip to Gifford Pinchot National Forest on Christmas Eve.

The men, aged 37 and 59,  were in the remote forest looking for the mythical creature Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, when they failed to report back to loved ones on December 24, Skamania County Sheriff’s Office said.

A gruelling three-day search for the pair involving 60 volunteers and rescuers, dogs, helicopters and drones took place in the “difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions”.

Their bodies were found on December 29 in a heavily wooded area of the forest.

Both died from exposure, based on weather conditions and ill-preparedness, officials said.

“The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognise the exceptional volunteers who sacrificed time away from their families during Christmas to assist our agency with this mission,” a post on Facebook read.

“These phenomenal volunteers also fought through freezing temperatures, snow, high water levels, heavy rain, downfall, and heavily wooded terrain.

“The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the loved ones lost in this tragic incident. “

Hundreds of sightings of the infamous Bigfoot have been reported in the US Pacific Northwest since the early 1800s.

Bigfoot’s existence remains unconfirmed, however Skamania County imposed a $1000 ($1608) fine if one of the creatures are “harmed” during hunts.