Everyone knows there's the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland, the Yeti or Abominable Snowman in the Himalayas, Will Smith punching aliens near Area 51, and Agent Mulder and Agent Scully uncovering the US government's secret dealings with extraterrestrial life intent on doing experiments on humans for some reason.
Also, there's Bigfoot or Sasquatch as it is also known. So in these times of restricted travel - one can't travel to Scotland or Tibet and with Area 51 just being restricted, one may as well as go on a Bigfoot spotting expedition. But where can one see this elusive ape-man creature? For what we know about Area 51 and the supposed aliens within, see here.
How To Go 'Squatching
'Squatching, or trekking through the woods seeking out Sasquatch, is a real thing. Even if one's trip ends up spotting nothing but squirrels and deer, at least it's been a fun and exciting trek in majestic landscapes with picturesque sunsets.
Given the mysteries around Bigfoot, it's difficult to know exactly where best to go to see it. That being said, the Pacific Northwest is the greatest flashpoint for Bigfoot sightings and it has arguably some of the best trekking anywhere in the Lower 48.
- Hawaii: There Are No Reports From Hawaii (or Not Many)
For the latest reporting and in-depth analysis of Bigfoot, check out the dedicated Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, and it purports to be "the only scientific research organization exploring the bigfoot/sasquatch mystery." Armed with this one can check out the areas with reported sightings of this hairy fellow. Be ready to record anything that could happen.
When it comes to just how one should 'squatch, there doesn't seem to be a consensus. But there are some pointers, look for claw marks on trees - try to distinguish them from bears, look for footprints, and maybe hang up some food to the height it would be a tempting morsel for a large hungry ape. Also, assess if the environment would be suitable for an ape-man. By night listen for sounds, hollers, hoots, whistles, footsteps, or the sound of knocking on wood - but familiarize oneself with the sounds of the normal wildlife so as not to confuse them.
Some of the suggested gear to bring along includes basic camping gear, a guide to local wildlife, cameras, a journal, a tape measure (for measuring the hefty footprints - it's called "Bigfoot" for a reason), and maybe even night vision. It's also worth remembering that Bigfoot isn't the only mythical creature said to live in the United States, see here for America's other elusive residents.
Visit The Bigfoot Discovery Museum
Yes, there is a museum dedicated to Bigfoot and it is located in Northern California. It includes exhibits of local history that are tied with local Bigfoot sightings. It explores popular culture about Bigfoot, and "actual evidence in the form of plaster foot and handprints along with a detailed exhibit on the Patterson-Gimlin Film" according to their website.
- Location: In the San Lorenzo Valley, In The Santa Cruz Mountains At 5497 Highway 9 In Felton
- Hours: Weds - Mon 11-6 (closed Tuesday)
- Cost: Price of Admission Is Free But Donations are Appreciated
Hot Bigfoot Hiking Trails In Washington State
Washington Trails Association provides a list of trails that one can follow to find the large footed primate. Here are some of them.
North Bonneville Heritage Trails
- Length: 12 Miles, Roundtrip
- Where: Columbia River Gorge in Southwest Washington
- Elevation Gain: 20 Feet
- Bonus: Enjoy the Sculptures of Bigfoot And Family At The North Bonneville Heritage Trails
Tarbell Trail
- Length: 24.75 Miles, Roundtrip
- Where: Lewish River Region in Southwest Washington
- Trail Type: Loop Trail
Oregon Butte
- Length: 6 Miles, Roundtrip
- Where: Palouse and the Blue Mountains In Eastern Washington
- Elevation Gain: 987 Feet
- Rumor: Bigfoot Wander The Blue Mountains Along the Washington-Oregon Border
South Fork Walla Walla River
- Length: 39.2 Miles, Roundtrip
- Where: Palouse and the Blue Mountains In Eastern Washington
- Elevation Gain: 2,885 Feet
Queets Campground Loop
- Length: 2.8 Miles Roundtrip
- Where: Pacific Coast In The Olympic Peninsula
- Elevation Gain: 50 Feet
- Note: The Olympic National Forest is Particularly Popular For Those Looking For Bigfoot
Barnes Creek
- Length: 10 Miles Roundtrip
- Where: Northern Cost In Olympic Peninsula
- Elevation Gain: 3,300 Feet
- Note: The Olympic Peninsula Is Reported To Be A Bigfoot Hotspot
- Bonus: The Olympic Peninsula is Also A UFO Hotspot
Huckleberry Creek
- Length: 2 Miles Roundtrip
- Where: Chinook Pass In Mount Rainier Area
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
Regardless of whether one finds Bigfoot or not, it's fun and adventurous and gets one out in the grand outdoors of the Pacific Northwest. Instead of coming back empty-handed one can always take pics in one's Bigfoot Halloween costume and upload them to the internet!