Bigfoot - Sasquatch at Willow Creek

We confess! For years we have been Bigfoot enthuastic, and to be sure this was the most prevalent reason, we put Willow Creek, California on our list of must see. As with so many experiences, this aspect is only part of Willow Creek's appeal.
Resting in the rugged mountains of Six River National Forest, and within shouting distance of the Trinity River, the small community is a special draw for the sportsman. From fishing for salmon and steelhead, or rafting the many white waters, the region brings people in from all across the country. Several national forest camp sites are available within a short distance of the town. We stayed at Six River Boise Creek Campground about two miles from Willow Creek's outskirts. Six River is a small camp with only one pull thru for motor homes, but other sites are also available for camping. Several areas are also set aside for tents. We really enjoyed the camps rustic accommodations and friendly caretakers.

So, we admit to be momentarily distracted by nature's handiwork. Then we catch our first sight of Bigfoot. Everyone can you know! Right on Hwy 299, the main street through town, stands Bigfoot carved from wood and resting next to Willow Creek China Flat Museum. Inside one finds great old and unusual items,with an entire section devoted to Bigfoot. Photographs as well as casts of Bigfoot prints, and rare books on Bigfoot are just a few items we discover. Also among these articles are unusual even rare Bigfoot memorabilia, such as games.
Documents on Sasquatch lore is by far the most intruding. In 1958, in the Bluff Creek area, just north from Willow Creek is where the modern era into Bigfoot popularity began. Although, this is hardly the first sighting.

Some of the earliest sightings were recorded in Crescent City, northwest of Willow Creek in 1886. Over time reports faded and only reappear in 1935 when large tracks were discovered in snow on a nearby mountain. Tracks were again found is 1958, which in turn were directly responsible for the most famous sightings of 1964. After hearing of the 1958 tracks, Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin, with pack mules laden from furnishing from a nearby general store, the men set out for the Bluff Creek area. As everyone with anyknowledge of the Sasquatch legend knows, Patterson's short movie has become the premiere Bigfoot evidence.
We sought to retrace Patterson's track into the Bluff Creek area and Bigfoot country, with little information and several wrong turns along the way. Finally elders from the Hoopla Indian tribe point us in the right direction and we soon discover Patterson's movie location may be out of our reach.

Lost once again, we stop at Bluff Creek Resort RV camp and contact Phil. Now luck would have it, Phil's grandfather had a general store on the RV campground during Patterson's trip into the area. According to Phil, his grandfather was in fact the one to outfit Patterson with his supplies. On the trail again, we got really good directions to the point of Patterson's film, but were unable to reach it by our vehicle. However, we are not disappointed, the trip into the forest was absolutely gorgeous and full of wildlife. No, trip is ever a waste when you see deer and an elusive black bear.

Several campgrounds are located around the Bluff Creek area. Forest Service such as Aikens Creek Recreation is just north of Bluff Creek Resort. Camping is $8.00 per night. Open mid July for water and open to November. There are no toilets or electric. This site has a dump station. E-Ne-Nuck Campground is just below Aikens Creek site with camping rates of $10.00. This facility has toilets. Willow Creek is located approx. 48 miles east of Eureka, California on Hwy. 299. The small town has at least two hotels and several spots for dining. We tried Cinnabar Sam's and were pleasantly surprised by the wonderful decor and delicious seafood. Check it out for yourself.
Whether you are a true believer, or just a curious sort, Willow Creek and Bigfoot country are worth the extra time involved in reaching this rustic community.

Here is a web-site with more information on Bigfoot.

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