Sasquatch: The mystery of the legendary giant
In the lush, expansive wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, the legend of Sasquatch (also commonly called Bigfoot) has woven itself into the fabric of local lore and captured the imagination of adventurers and researchers alike…
Which had us wondering, where can you kayak in Oregon and Washington and be in alleged Bigfoot Territory?
Photo credit: Roger Patterson, from the famous 1967 film recording of Sasquatch in California
This mysterious figure, described as a massive creature covered in hair, is a centerpiece of Native American folklore and modern myth, even beyond the beautiful PNW region of the United States.
Today, we thought it’d be fun to dive into the heart of the Sasquatch legend, exploring its origins, the scientific inquiry it has sparked, and its cultural impact, especially from the unique perspective of Pacific Northwest enthusiasts.
“Sasquatch is also known as Bigfoot, and it appears to represent the North American counterpart of the Himalayan region’s mythical monster, the Abominable Snowman, or Yeti.”
Bigfoot legends and scientific research
Rooted in the oral traditions of Native American tribes, Sasquatch represents a creature of immense size and shyness, living in harmony with nature yet eluding human civilization. The name Sasquatch originated from the Salish se’sxac, which means “wild men.”
Despite hundreds of reported sightings and even films like the infamous 1967 Patterson-Gimlin footage (watch below), much of the scientific community remains skeptical of Sasquatch’s existence.
Watch the grainy film from 50 years ago that catapulted the legend of Sasquatch into an international icon.
“The Patterson-Gimlin film certainly stands as the most compelling photographic evidence that we have to-date... and not only do we have the film, we have a remarkable track record associated with it, a cast...”
This legend of Sasquatch is more alive – and fascinating – than ever. In fact, just last week (February, 2024), The Secret History of Bigfoot published, an in-depth, immersive journey written by journalist and self-diagnosed skeptic John O’Connor. While researching for the novel, O’Cononor spent a year traveling around the United States, talking to Sasquatch fans and experts, and tracking Bigfoot in the wild places of the Pacific Northwest.
“Before the 19th century, when stories about the mysterious “ape man” began circulating in the American West, most Native American tribes had their own legends surrounding the enigmatic creature.”
Watch the man behind the famous Bigfoot film speak about his experience.
According to reports, common Sasquatch signs include:
A giant, hairy creature, reaching up to 10 feet in height, that stands on two legs,
Huge human-or-primate-looking footprints in sand, mud, or grasses,
Strange relocation of extremely heavy rocks from one area to another (possibly for the purpose of hunting or locating water from underground sources), or strange Bigfoot rock formations that could be a form of communication and possibly aligned with constellations,
Rocks being thrown from a remote, hidden location as a form of protection/defense,
An extremely overpowering, foul smell in the air,
Large prey (like deer) carcasses with severe injury caused by an extremely strong predator (heads removed, spines snapped),
Deep, loud growls, whoops or screams (listen to Sasquatch sounds and the famed audio from the Sierra Mountains in the video clip below),
High level of apex predator activity noises/sounds/sightings during the nighttime hours (such as hunting and exploration in the woods),
A flattened, natural area that may resemble a creature’s nest (this has also been described as a crudely-built tree structure by some accounts).
The “Sasquatch Sierra Sounds” from the 1970s have spurred decades of Bigfoot speculation. Listen in and check out the Reddit thread on the Sasquatch Sierra Files.
“For more than 400 years, people have reported seeing large, hair-covered, man-like animals in the wilderness areas of North America.”
One of the most compelling Sasquatch sightings took place in the state of Washington in 1994. A former United States Forest Patrolman, Paul Freeman, reported seeing a family of Sasquatch in the Blue Mountains. While the video he captured lacks in crispness and quality, many Bigfoot believers find it credible (there’s an in-depth, frame-by-frame video analysis at Oregon Bigfoot). Check out the brief recorded video below and see what you think – real or fake?
But, at the time of this posting, there’s still an absence of what many people believe is concrete evidence – for example, bones or clear photographs. This skepticism, and widespread Sasquatch fascination, fuels ongoing research. Nonprofits, institutions, and even everyday folks are using modern technology– like drones, soil testing for DNA, and infrared sensors– in hopes of uncovering undeniable proof of Sasquatch's existence.
Did you know? The North American Bigfoot Center museum is located in Boring, Oregon, and features interactive exhibits, informational resources, and analysis of Sasquatch evidence.
Sasquatch in Oregon and Washington
For kayakers in our PNW region, the possibility of encountering Sasquatch adds an exhilarating layer to our paddling adventures. We love a good Pacific Northwest wildlife spotting from our boat – and how thrilling (and maybe terrifying) would it be to see a Sasquatch along the riverbank?
“I’m positive Bigfoot is real. I personally have seen one, in Oregon, over by Hood River. It was in the mid 90s. I did report it. This was before cellphones. Growing up in Oregon and camping in the Blues, Cascades and coastal mountains, I have heard and smelled them as well. You will never forget the experience when you have them.”
For those who believe that Sasquatch is real, there are three main things that qualify as prime habitat for the elusive creature, which can be summed up in the following questions:
Is there an ample food source?
Is freshwater nearby?
Is there a place to hide under cover for safety?
For kayakers with an adventurous spirit, Siskiyou National Forest has long been a place associated with a high amount of Bigfoot sightings. The Columbia River Gorge, Puget Sound's secluded inlets, and Idaho's Salmon River are not only prime spots for wildlife observation, but also “supposed” Sasquatch territories. Oregon’s wine country, Willamette River Valley, has also a reported habitat. Night time catfish anglers have also reported seeing Sasquash near Vancouver Lake – a small but lovely lake with a view of Mt. St. Helens, just north of Portland, Oregon (I’ve kayaked this lake many times during the day).
According to Oregon Live, Clackamas County holds the most sightings of Bigfoot in the state of Oregon, with 27 reported sightings. The most recent was in August, 2023, when a solo female backpacker reported hearing Sasquatch vocalizations and strange knocks in the middle of the night near Timothy Lake, Mt. Hood National Forest (source: Big Foot Field Researchers Organization).
“Gold miners in the Applegate region of southwest Oregon reported sightings of Sasquatch in the 1850s.”
Animal Planet recently released a new episode of “Finding Bigfoot” that sent investigators into Oregon and Washington to determine which state had the most squatch action. They explored dense forests with state-of-the-art equipment, searching in areas where mysterious Sasquatch sightings have long been shared. Some of the intriguing aspects of this episode is the town hall, where Sasquatch eyewitnesses gathered and shared their stories of encountering the giant creature in the wild.
Check out this clip of the episode below… Do you think these are legit sightings?
“Somehow, even with all the skepticism, I have always felt these amazing creatures are real. It has worried me that they would be hunted for sport, trapped and put on display or harmed other ways. Their ability to remain elusive is encouraging and I hope they understand the dangers that humans pose for them.”
The Bigfoot Trail
While the Bigfoot Trail primarily caters to skilled, prepared hikers trekking through Northern California's Klamath Mountains, it does run alongside some rivers with some ideal spots for recreational kayakers in California and a bit of Southwest Oregon. We’d recommend reaching out to a guide and local paddling shop for the best and safest flat water routes. There are even local kayak shops that offer guided tours in the watery realms of rumored Bigfoot.
The Big Foot trail passes along three key wild and scenic rivers:
South Fork Trinity River (16 miles)
Salmon River (15 miles)
Smith River (18 miles)
Supporting Sasquatch research and conservation
The intrigue surrounding Sasquatch has prompted the creation of organizations dedicated to its research and the conservation of its supposed habitat, including the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization and the North American Bigfoot Center.
Bigfoot specialist and cryptozoologist Cliff Barackman (who has been doing Bigfoot research for 30+ years), documents his collected evidence of the species existence. He has appeared on many popular shows and documentaries, including this video clip before from Animal Planet’s “Finding Bigfoot” series. As a resident of Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon, deep in the heart of Sasquatch country, he has provided a wealth of insight into Bigfoot analysis.
“Is the last of the Neanderthals still living in these remote forests? I don’t know. But I’m not going to say it doesn’t exist and I’m not going to say people who believe in it [Sasquatch] are stupid.”
Key moments in this video, below, which are helpful foundations to determining what seems credible and what’s fake from all the reported Sasquatch sightings:
Evidence vs proof – what’s the difference?
Science is a process
Bigfoot facts
Types of evidence
Native American and First Nation Sasquatch accounts
Historical/Settlers Bigfoot sightings
Sound recordings, video, footprints, photographs, and more evidence analyzed by experts
“Bigfoot, a large being stomping around in the woods, is all of that and more. He speaks to us of fear, sure, but also of magic and the wildness of nature.”
More FAQs about Sasquatch
How do you pronounce Sasquatch?
Sasquatch is pronounced like Sass-kwat-ch in American English. It sounds like this:
How tall is Bigfoot?
Estimates suggest Bigfoot stands between 6 to 9 feet tall, with some reports claiming figures over 10 feet.
What is the plural of Sasquatch?
Both Sasquatches and Sasquatch are used, depending on preference. Example: We saw several Sasquatch on our last paddling trip in Oregon.
Where has Bigfoot been sighted in the US?
While sightings are nationwide, the Pacific Northwest region remains the hotspot for Bigfoot encounters.
Has anyone ever caught a Sasquatch?
No, the physical body of a Sasquatch has never been verified. But the state of Oregon has the world’s only Bigfoot Trap in the wild, located on Collings Mountain Trail. It was built in 1974 after a miner claimed to see 18-inch human-like footprints on the ground. Since then, the trap has only trapped a few wild bears and a grouchy hunter.
How has Sasquatch influenced American pop culture?
Sasquatch and Bigfoot have left a significant mark on pop culture, appearing in various forms of media, from movies and TV shows to commercials and video games. Their mysterious nature and folklore roots make them fascinating subjects for storytelling and entertainment. Here are some well-known examples:
Harry and the Hendersons (1987): This family comedy film follows the Henderson family as they accidentally hit a Sasquatch with their car, then adopt him into their family, naming him Harry. I remember watching this movie as a kid!
The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972): A docudrama-style film that explores the legend of the Fouke Monster, a Bigfoot-like creature said to inhabit the swamps of Arkansas.
Bigfoot and Wildboy (1977): An American children's television series that aired on ABC, featuring Bigfoot who raises a human boy named Wildboy and together they go on adventures to protect the environment and fight villains.
Finding Bigfoot (2011-2018): A reality TV series on Animal Planet that followed members of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) as they investigated reported sightings of the creature across the United States. We talk more about this show in this article.
Bigfoot (2012): An action-adventure Syfy channel movie where Bigfoot terrorizes an 80s-themed music festival in South Dakota, leading to a group of concert-goers and hunters trying to stop it.
Sasquatch (2021): A Hulu docuseries that investigates a triple homicide on a marijuana farm and explores whether a Sasquatch could be behind it, blending true crime with the Bigfoot legend.
Son of Bigfoot (2017): An animated film about a teenage boy who discovers his missing father is actually Bigfoot, and he has inherited some special powers from him.
Bigfoot Family (2020): A sequel to "Son of Bigfoot," this animated adventure film follows the Bigfoot family as they use their fame to fight against an Alaskan oil company threatening the environment.
What shows, movies, and podcasts offer more factual information about Sasquatch?
Documentaries and series like "Discovering Bigfoot" and "Expedition Bigfoot" on streaming platforms provide in-depth exploration into the legend.
YouTube also has a ton of content about Sasquatch. If you want to explore more of this topic, hear stories from people who claim to have spotted Sasquatch in the wild, and see alleged images and video of the big creature itself, check out Sasquatch Theory online.
We also recently enjoyed A Flash of Beauty: Dr. Jeff Meldrum Interview, which provides fascinating insight from this professor of anatomy and anthropology at Idaho State University. There’s some really interesting nuggets here about why a carcass of Sasquatch has never been found, addressing the critics of the famous 1967 film of Bigfoot in California, and how foot prints and casts stand up against primate anatomy and locomotion.
Another popular podcast show about mysterious things, including Sasquatch, is Strange Familiars. We enjoyed this episode unpacking scientific evidence of Bigfoot’s existence.
Sensing Sasquatch exhibit opening at the High Desert Museum
Opening March 2, 2024! A new “Sensing Sasquatch” exhibit is coming to the Indigenous Art & Knowledge center at the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon.
Conclusion
Sasquatch is a fascinating legend that challenges our understanding of the natural world and our place within it. For kayakers and outdoor enthusiasts, the idea of a wild human-beast offers an added layer of wonder to the already majestic and profound landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you're paddling through known Bigfoot locales or just enjoying the PNW region's stunning natural beauty, the legend of Sasquatch encourages us to keep our curiosity alive and our eyes peeled for the unexpected. So, grab your paddle, keep your camera handy, and set out on your next paddling adventure—you never know what you might discover!
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About Flatwater Kayak Club
Flatwater Kayak Club is a leading woman-owned, Portland-founded business for recreational flatwater kayaking in the Pacific Northwest. Our curated, free online resources connect paddles with the incredible experiences they’re looking for. Our company founder, a former writer for The National Geographic Channel, Red Cross CPR/First Aid certified paddler, and current American Canoe Association member, guides our mission with her passion for kayaking, nature, and storytelling. Discover for yourself how flat water kayaking can help strengthen physical and mental strength, develop inner confidence, foster a love for the environment, and build community – just like we did.
Two days, 70 paddlers, nearly 30 miles of paddling, and an island camp-out on the Willamette River Trail in Oregon.