The densely wooded forests of Washington have long been rumored to shelter Sasquatch and other cryptids – mythical creatures that people claim to have seen, but that have never been proven to exist.
“For many years, Washington State has had many more Bigfoot sightings than any other state,” says Matthew Moneymaker, the president of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization and host of Finding Bigfoot on Animal Planet. “We believe there are more bigfoots in Washington than any other region, with the highest density on the Olympic Peninsula where there are many salmon runs, elk, and deer.”
Fortunately, most Washington cryptids appear to be shy. Even when traipsing through their territory, it’s unlikely you’ll cross paths. Instead, these beasts come alive around the campfire at night through passed-down legends and myths.
While there are numerous Washington Sasquatch festivals and events, other cryptids like Batsquatch and Gumberoo are also said to reside in the Evergreen State.
Washington Cryptids
Bigfoot/Sasquatch
Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, is the most famous of the Washington cryptids, surrounded by speculation and anecdotal evidence. People and organizations, like Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization and the Olympic Project, devote themselves to spotting this bi-pedal apelike creature. Native American lore featured Sasquatch well before tales emerged among the pioneers of the American West. “Sasquatch” is thought to be an Anglicization of the Salish word Sasq’ets, meaning “wild man” or “hairy man.” He’s described as covered in hair and much larger than a human.
Most commonly spotted deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, Washington has the highest number of sightings of any state – 724 posted sightings according to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, and 5,000 total unposted. In fact, Skamania County is the only county in the country that has implemented a protective statute to prevent the hunting of Sasquatch, although other places attest to be “Sasquatch Protection and Refuge Areas.”
Batsquatch
This lesser-known Washington cryptid is well described by its name – a cross between a bat and Sasquatch. This gigantic primate-like creature is said to have leathery wings spanning 50 feet, glowing yellow eyes, a dog-like muzzle, blue or purple fur, sharp teeth, and clawed feet. Its legend begins at Mount St. Helens. Sightings started shortly after the volcano’s eruption; allegedly an ape-ish winged creature soared through the plume. Some believe Batsquatch emerged from the broken earth. Near Mount Rainier, a pilot claims his craft may have been buzzed by Batsquatch in 2009.
Gumberoo
Gumberoo appears to have grown out of old lumberjack tales from the 19th and 20th centuries. In these campfire yarns, Gumberoo is an rotund hairless (save for his bushy eyebrows) bear-like creature with impenetrable leathery coal-black skin. Because Gumberoo’s body is explosively flammable, he is often deemed the culprit for sudden forest fires. It’s said his smoke is toxic, and photo negatives of Gumberoo purportedly explode. This voracious beast is slow-moving and leaves hibernation only a handful of times per year to feed. From Grays Harbor, Washington, to Humboldt Bay, California, Gumberoos make their dens in the fire-charred bases of cedar trees.
Lake Chelan Dragon
For many centuries, a terrifying sea serpent has been rumored to dwell in the murky depths of Lake Chelan, Washington’s deepest lake (1,486 feet). Native Americans were leery of canoeing across the lake for fear of the monster they called N’hah’hahat’q, which lurked within Tsi-Laan (“the deep” or “deep water”). They believed this water dragon was an evil spirit capable of great destruction.
In 1892, a trio of friends were said to have encountered the Lake Chelan Dragon and described it as having the legs and body of a white alligator, the head of a serpent, razor-blade teeth, and giant wings like a bat. Since then, there have been numerous reported sightings, and some believe this Washington cryptid is long-lost kin to Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster.
Washington Sasquatch Festivals & Tours
sQuatch Fest
On the last weekend in January, the city of Longview on the Columbia River draws enthusiasts and curious visitors during sQuatch Fest. Over two days at the Cowlitz County Event Center, attendees can hear the latest research and screen documentaries exploring sightings and encounters at this hallmark Washington Sasquatch festival. Speakers often include well-known cryptozoologists, members of Olympic Project Bigfoot Research Team, production crew members of the Finding Bigfoot show, and curators of the North American Bigfoot Center. For interactive events, take a footprint class or compete in a Sasquatch calling competition. Otherwise, kick back to enjoy the festival’s beer, food, and live music.
Metaline Falls Bigfoot Festival
On a weekend in June, the tiny riverside town of Metaline Falls in the far northeastern corner of the state hosts presenters and around 200 vendors for the Metaline Falls Bigfoot Festival. At the Bigfoot Presenters Dinner, break bread with some of the best-known Sasquatch experts, like Legacy Discoveries (paranormal and cryptid field researchers) and Sasquatch Island (a popular YouTube channel and Facebook group created by Tom Sewid of the Kwakwaka’wakw Tribe on Vancouver Island). Around town, businesses join in the Bigfoot mania with themed food and decorations. There’s also a 5k Bigfoot run and a Bigfoot Film Festival at the NuVu Theatre.
Forks Sasquatch Days
The ancient forests of the Olympic Peninsula are prime Sasquatch territory and a fitting spot to host Forks Sasquatch Days every Memorial Day. This conference has two days of speakers, movies, and presentations dedicated to the search for Bigfoot. Sasquatch the Legend, a Bigfoot-themed store in Forks and leading online merchandise vendor, hosts the event at the Rainforest Arts Center. Check out their Sasquatch field guides, jewelry, clothing, and more, including camping gear you might need while sleuthing in the wilderness.
Skagit Bigfoot Fest Music Festival
While other Washington Sasquatch festivals might focus on new research and sightings, the Skagit Bigfoot Fest Music Festival centers on the celebration of Washington’s most popular and elusive cryptid and the region where he dwells. This two-day party at Skagit County Fairgrounds in Mount Vernon showcases different styles of music, dance, and art, with displays and immersive installations. Attendees can enjoy a beer garden, food trucks, axe throwing, and camping amenities. Show up in a Bigfoot costume to get in for free.
Sasquatch Summit Research Conference
Every year in November, the Sasquatch Summit research conference takes place in southwest Washington’s Grays Harbor County, which many people believe to be the Sasquatch capital of the world. The Quinault Beach Resort & Casino in Ocean Shores welcomes researchers, witnesses, enthusiasts, and skeptics to share information and testimonies on the enigmatic species. The organizers aim to invite a variety of Sasquatch experts from all over the world with varying insights, opinions, techniques, and results.
Bigfoot Adventures
Journey deep into the heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest with the experienced guides at Bigfoot Adventures. Comb the rugged mountain terrain through old-growth forests, past lakes, and over rivers for the elusive Sasquatch using high-tech night vision,
thermal imaging, drones with HDR video, and trail cameras. In addition to traditional tracking, guides also utilize low-tech techniques like howling, whooping, and wood knocking to lure the creature. With both daytrip and multi-day options, guests can focus on the hunt while guides take care of the meals.
About the Author
Ellee Thalheimer is a freelance writer and guidebook author based in the Pacific Northwest who has contributed to publications like Lonely Planet Guidebooks, Alaska Airlines Magazine, and Adventure Cyclist Magazine. When she can’t get outside, she writes fiction, drinks local IPAs, and perfects her handstands.