Overview of the Encounter

Perry LEL, a miner who discovered 18-inch footprints; Ryan King, a teacher at Rouu Outdoor Community School

Date: unknown

Year: unknown

Location: Siskiyou National Forest

Land Managed By: U.S. Forest Service

Nearest Town: Rouu

County: Jackson

State: Oregon

Nearest Landmark: Applegate River

Witness Accounts

On an exploration of the Bigfoot mythos, the discussion highlights a significant historical report from the mid-1800s involving Sasquatch sightings in the Applegate region of Southwest Oregon. Multiple miners during the 1850s reported seeing a large, human-like creature described as "shadowy" and unhuman-like. This raised the interest among miners, leading to a collective acknowledgment of the creature's existence in the area. A notable sighting occurred in 1969, when a miner named Perry LEL discovered 18-inch footprints next to his gold claim along the Applegate River. The footprints were spaced approximately six feet apart, suggesting a substantial creature. This sighting, along with others from various locals, contributed to the ongoing intrigue surrounding Bigfoot in Oregon. In 1974, the North American Wildlife Research Team built what is claimed to be the only Bigfoot trap in North America, located in the Siskiyou National Forest in southern Jackson County, just a few miles from the California border. This trap was created with the intention of capturing Bigfoot and was regularly baited with meat. However, it reportedly only caught bears and one disgruntled hunter in the ensuing years. The presence of this trap has become part of local lore and is incorporated into educational programs at the nearby Rouu Outdoor Community School. Ryan King, a teacher at the school, explains that students learn about Sasquatch through a dedicated curriculum, which combines folklore with environmental studies. The trap serves as a tangible point of interest for students, who are often skeptical about the creature's existence yet intrigued by the mysterious nature of the reports. A student shared that their grandmother had seen Bigfoot when she was younger, indicating that personal anecdotes about Sasquatch sightings resonate with the local community and maintain a cultural significance. This ongoing dialogue among locals about their encounters or beliefs in Bigfoot adds to the fabric of mystery surrounding this area. Through discussions with students, it's evident that opinions vary regarding the existence of Sasquatch. Some express a willingness to entertain the possibility of Bigfoot, while others remain doubtful, showcasing the divisive yet engaging nature of the subject. King underscores that the mystery surrounding Bigfoot remains a captivating aspect of the region, drawing interest from both locals and visitors alike. Overall, the trap’s location, the historical sightings by miners, and the ongoing educational initiatives all contribute to the continued fascination with Bigfoot in Southwest Oregon, suggesting that this legend is deeply embedded in the local culture and history.

Source

YouTube

Note: Information above was collected and summarized by A.I. Dates, name and location could be inaccurate or wrong.