Tag Archives: pacific northwest

The Legend of Bigfoot

Text: “So, I’ve definitely heard a lot about Bigfoot, mostly in places like Washington and Oregon, but also in California. Apparently, this huge, hairy creature just roams around the forests, and people have been talking about it for ages. It’s like this big, ape-like thing that’s supposedly always there, but no one ever really sees it. You hear stories about people finding giant footprints in the woods, or about hearing weird noises late at night, and they swear it’s Bigfoot, but there’s never any proof.

I actually went on this Bigfoot hiking tour once in Washington, hoping to see something, but of course, we didn’t. They showed us these footprint casts and told us some stories about people who claim they saw it. It’s kinda funny how people get so into it, but honestly, the mystery of it all is what makes it cool. Like, we didn’t see anything, but I still thought it was awesome to just walk through the woods, hearing these stories. I mean, it’s such a random thing to believe in, but it’s still fun to think about.”

Context: Growing up in the U.S., the informant was always aware of Bigfoot, especially through friends and stories they’d hear when talking about hiking or camping trips. It was something people joked about or brought up in passing, especially when out in the woods or forests. The informant didn’t grow up hearing personal stories or having any major connections to Bigfoot, but it was part of the overall cultural fabric—like something you’d hear about in TV shows or from people in areas like the Pacific Northwest. They got more curious about it after taking the Bigfoot tour, but ultimately, they don’t take it too seriously. It’s more of a fun legend, and something people like to talk about when they’re in the right setting.

Analysis: Bigfoot is one of those legends that sticks around, not because a majority of people truly believe in it, but because it’s fun to talk about. It’s a story that plays into the idea of the unknown, which is something people always seem to enjoy. Whether or not anyone actually thinks Bigfoot exists, it becomes part of the culture of the places where these stories are told—especially in areas like the Pacific Northwest, where there’s so much wild, untamed nature. Legends like this thrive because they add a layer of mystery to the world around us. It’s not necessarily about finding proof of Bigfoot, but more about having something to wonder about, something that sparks conversation and keeps a bit of the unknown alive. Even though it’s mostly just a fun story, it connects people to the land and to each other, whether it’s around a campfire or while hiking through the forest. And that’s what keeps it relevant—because as long as people keep telling these stories, they’ll keep Bigfoot alive, even if it’s just in spirit.

Informant Info

Race/Ethnicity: White

Age: 21

Occupation: Student

Residence: Oak Park, CA

Date of Performance: April 1, 2025

Primary Language: English

Other Language(s): N/A

Relationship: Friend

The Legend of Bigfoot

Nationality: Mexican/American
Age: 20
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles, California
Performance Date: 5/1/22
Primary Language: English
Language: Spanish

CONTEXT: 

RR is one of my best friends and roommates. She is a sophomore at USC who enjoys crocheting, writing poetry, and making me laugh. 

TEXT: 

Me: “Can you tell me now about Bigfoot? Because I know you heard about him since you were a little—all about him. Where is he from?”

R: “Bigfoot is a pretty big legend in the Pacific Northwest. 

I’m sure you have heard a little bit about him because you’re from Idaho 

but in Portland, and Oregon, because most of the state is covered in temperate rainforest. 

It’s a big thing for people to see Bigfoot. 

There’s so many sightings. 

There’s lots of websites too. 

The restaurant I worked in, the summer after I graduated high school, was a Pacific Northwest Oregon chain 

and some of the restaurants have lots of mementos of Bigfoot sightings 

like newspaper clippings or these really shitty, blurry photos of “Bigfoot” supposedly. I also had a teacher in high school who would go on hikes once a month 

and he’d try to find Bigfoot 

People really, really believe in him

there’s Facebook groups. 

There’s T shirts 

I bought us a shot glass that says Bigfoot country Oregon

It’s from the PDX airport. 

It’s big—it’s very prevalent in Oregon culture. 

I’d say that’s definitely one of the biggest landmarks of being an Oregonian.”

ANALYSIS:

The legend of Bigfoot has been around since 1958; a writer for the Humboldt Times, Andrew Genzoli, was sent pictures of large footprints that were found in northern California. He published the photos and joked that perhaps the footprints belonged to a “relative of the Abominable Snowman.” However, people were intrigued by the pictures and deemed this unknown creature, “Bigfoot.” Following this article being published, Bigfoot became a popular cultural phenomenon; especially in the Pacific NorthWest where temperate rainforests are common. In addition to Bigfoot being a mascot to the PNW, politicians in Washington and Oregon have even proposed bills in order to protect the creatures from hunters.