Best Bigfoot Attractions (and encounters…) In Washington

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There’s something undeniably intriguing about the elusive creature known as Bigfoot or Sasquatch, that legendary ape-like being said to roam the forests of North America.

However, if you’re in the Pacific Northwest for any length of time you might get tired of him. While I’ve never seen bigfoot, just a simple visit to Seattle is enough to convince me that he’s just around every tree.

One of the biggest shows of Washington’s obsession with bigfoot is all of the bigfoot statues throughout the state. I’ve seen them in stores, in front of apartment buildings, in parks, and even in people’s yards.

However, not all bigfoot statues are created equal.

So, despite growing weary with our hairy cryptid friend, here are a few of what I feel are the most iconic bigfoot statues in the state, mostly within driving distance of Seattle!

Let’s go!

4 Best Known Bigfoot Statues In Washington

1. North Fork Survivors Giftshop – 28-Foot Concrete Bigfoot

Location: Hwy 504, Kid Valley, WA
Getting There: Take exit 49 off of I-5 and head east on Highway 504. You’ll find Bigfoot about a mile east of the intersection with Highway 505 (about milepost 20.5)

When Mount St. Helens’ erupted on May 18, 1980, many people in the area could only think of bigfoot. Okay, maybe he wasn’t their first and only thought but, during the aftermath, many people came to the conclusion that Bigfoot (who had often been sighted in the area) must have died in the blast.

This notion has given rise to many statues and shops in the area commemorating sasquatch.

Among the remnants of the Mount St. Helens catastrophe is a buried A-frame house, now part of the North Fork Survivors Gift Shop, and a 28-foot tall bigfoot statue.

Crafted from concrete and adorned with intricately detailed fur and a whimsical grin, the statue serves as a memorial to the “real” Bigfoot, who some claimed was killed during the eruption. Though the original, smaller statue built in the mid-1980s was incinerated by vandals, the current Bigfoot statue is a true survivor. At this quirky roadside attraction, visitors can snap a photo between Bigfoot’s legs or browse an array of Sasquatch-themed souvenirs at the gift shop, making it a fun and memorable pit stop on the way to the mountain.

2. Espresso Chalet – 14-Foot Wooden Bigfoot

Location: US Hwy 2, Index, WA
Getting There: On the south side of the road around milepost 36

Located in Index, Washington, along the picturesque US Hwy 2, Espresso Chalet offers more than just a caffeine fix for travelers. Although you’ll want that too.

This roadside espresso stand, which has been in operation for over 20 years, was built at one of the filming sites of the 1987 movie “Harry and The Hendersons.” The biggest draw of Espresso Chalet is the impressive 14-foot chainsaw-carved statue of Bigfoot holding a surfboard, paying homage to the film’s endearing character.

The site also features other smaller carvings, such as a smiling Bigfoot enjoying a latte with its child and one holding a raccoon.

Apart from serving a wide variety of espresso drinks, sodas, teas, and snacks, the Espresso Chalet offers numerous Bigfoot-related souvenirs to satisfy the curiosity of visitors fascinated by the legendary creature. With picnic tables to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and portable toilets for customer convenience, the Espresso Chalet is the perfect stopover along the Stevens Pass Greenway.

3. Disautel Pass – 18-Foot Steel Sasquatch

Location: Disautel Pass

Perched atop Disautel Pass in Washington, an imposing 18-foot tall steel sculpture of the mythical giant Sasquatch greets visitors traveling along the Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway.

Weighing approximately 1,500 lbs, this impressive work of art was masterfully created by local artist and Colville Tribe member Smoker Marchard. The multidimensional statue showcases a unique feature—a rotating arm that swings in the wind, bringing the legendary creature to life.

While it’s a bit of a hike if you want to get any closer to take a picture, this guy is visible from the road as he welcomes you into the area!

Why Is The Pacific Northwest So Obsessed With Sasquatch?

The Pacific Northwest’s obsession with Sasquatch can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the region’s rich cultural history, its dense and mysterious forests, and a longstanding tradition of storytelling.

From what I can figure out, here are a few of the key reasons that everyone in Seattle (and the PNW in general) want to rock bigfoot merchandise:

  1. Native American legends: The stories of large, hairy, ape-like creatures have been a part of the indigenous peoples’ oral traditions in the Pacific Northwest for centuries. Known by various names like Skookum, Bukwus, or Dzunukwa, these legends have contributed to the region’s cultural heritage and fascination with Bigfoot.
  2. Dense forests: The Pacific Northwest is home to vast, dense forests that provide an ideal setting for such a mysterious creature to inhabit. The region’s remote wilderness areas, with their heavy foliage and limited human intrusion, make it easy to imagine a large, elusive being hiding just beyond sight.
  3. Popular media: The 1958 discovery of large footprints in Northern California sparked widespread interest in Bigfoot and led to numerous sightings, documentaries, books, and TV shows dedicated to the subject. This attention has only fueled the Pacific Northwest’s fascination with the creature and its possible existence.
  4. Local pride and identity: The Sasquatch has become something of a cultural icon in the Pacific Northwest, often used to represent the region’s wild, untamed nature. Residents take pride in this association, celebrating it with festivals, artwork, and even sports team mascots.
  5. Tourism: The enduring mystery of Sasquatch has led to a thriving Bigfoot tourism industry in the region, complete with guided tours, souvenir shops, and themed attractions. This encourages the ongoing fascination with the creature and its place in local lore.

Overall, the Pacific Northwest’s obsession with Sasquatch can be seen as a unique aspect of regional culture, deeply rooted in history and fueled by a sense of wonder and curiosity about the unknown.

“Real” Bigfoot Sightings In Washington

Oregon and Washington are hotbeds for cryptid activity (read more about the cryptids or Washington & Oregon) and so sightings are surprisingly rare.

These are a few of the more interesting (and convincing) ones that have happened in Washington in the past 100 years:

  1. Ape Canyon Encounter (1924): Prospectors in Ape Canyon, near Mount St. Helens, reported being attacked by a group of large, hairy, ape-like creatures, which they called “mountain devils.” The incident became one of the earliest and most famous Bigfoot encounters in Washington State.
  2. Skookum Cast (2000): In the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, members of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization found an impression in the mud that they believed to be a Sasquatch body print. The cast, known as the “Skookum Cast,” remains one of the most intriguing pieces of potential Bigfoot evidence.
  3. Mount Rainier National Park (1973): Campers at the Cougar Rock Campground reported seeing a large, hairy, bipedal creature walking through the area. The sighting, which occurred near the famous Mount Rainier, added to the region’s growing reputation as a hotbed of Bigfoot activity.
  4. Battle Ground Lake State Park (2012): A group of hikers in the park claimed to have seen a tall, hairy creature moving through the woods. The hikers were able to capture a blurry photograph of the alleged creature, which quickly gained attention in the Bigfoot community.
  5. Snoqualmie Pass (2011): A motorist driving along Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie Pass reported seeing a large, hairy, bipedal creature crossing the road in front of their vehicle. The sighting occurred in an area with a history of Bigfoot encounters and was widely discussed in local media.
  6. Beacon Rock State Park (1982): Hikers in the park reported encountering a strong, foul odor and hearing strange vocalizations before seeing a large, ape-like creature moving through the woods. This sighting remains a popular talking point among Bigfoot enthusiasts in the area.

These are just a few examples of the many reported Bigfoot sightings in Washington State.W

While the existence of the creature remains unconfirmed, these stories continue to captivate the imagination and fuel ongoing interest in the legend of Sasquatch…for some people anyway.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Washington State’s love affair with the enigmatic Bigfoot is evident through its numerous statues, roadside attractions, and ongoing fascination with reported sightings.

From Seattle to the remote corners of the Evergreen State, residents and visitors alike are drawn to the captivating stories, legends, and artwork inspired by this elusive creature. As you venture through the Pacific Northwest, be sure to explore these remarkable Bigfoot statues and immerse yourself in the region’s rich Sasquatch lore. Who knows? You might just catch a glimpse of the legendary giant lurking in the shadows of Washington’s beautiful forests. But you’ll definitely see a statue or two.