Ape Canyon Sasquatch
Nestled in the shadow of Mount St. Helens, Ape Canyon holds a fascinating blend of natural beauty and mysterious lore that captivates hikers, historians, and cryptozoology enthusiasts alike. This remarkable location not only offers breathtaking volcanic landscapes shaped by millennia but is also steeped in tales of mysterious creatures that roam its woods.
From geological wonders dating back hundreds of thousands of years to chilling accounts of Sasquatch encounters that have fueled folklore for nearly a century, Ape Canyon is a place where myth and mountain air mix seamlessly.
In this article, we’ll explore the intriguing history, haunting legends, and stunning trails of Ape Canyon, delving into why this site continues to attract both the adventurous and the curious. Join us as we uncover the secrets of one of Washington’s most mysterious destinations.
Historical and Geological Background
Nestled near the formidable Mount Saint Helens in Washington, USA, Ape Canyon is not just a natural wonder but also a vault of local folklore and geological significance. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) traces the area’s volcanic activity to a period between 300,000 and 35,000 years ago. The landscape underwent a dramatic transformation with the explosive eruption of Mount St. Helens in May 1980, which not only reshaped the terrain but also buried the historical evidence of the Vander White cabin under layers of ash and lava. Before this cataclysmic event, dense forests cloaked the canyon, hiding it from the outside world.
The Legend of Ape Canyon
The intriguing name “Ape Canyon” stems from a flurry of Sasquatch sightings in the early 1920s. The most notable incident, the Ape Canyon Attack of 1924, involved a group of five miners, including Fred Beck, who claimed a harrowing encounter with sasquatch-like creatures. Beck later chronicled this terrifying experience in his book, ‘I Fought the Apemen of Mount St. Helens’. Despite the thrilling tales, skepticism surrounds these accounts, with critics suggesting possible hoaxes and questioning the reliability of the sources.
The Story
The story goes that in July 1924, Fred Beck, Gabe Lefever, John Peterson, Marion Smith, and Smith’s son Roy were prospecting for gold in an area near the Muddy River when they encountered what they described as ape-like creatures. The men were staying in a small cabin in an area they called Ape Canyon, so named because of the strange encounters with these creatures in the surrounding forest.
According to Fred Beck and the other witnesses, one of the creatures appeared at the edge of a canyon opposite their cabin. Beck claimed he shot the creature, which fell into the canyon below. That night, a group of these beings reportedly attacked their cabin, hurling rocks and striking the walls and roof with great force throughout the night. The miners held the creatures off by firing their rifles, believing that they hit several of them, though the attack continued until dawn.
The men left the cabin the next day and headed into Kelso, Washington, where they reported their encounter.
The story quickly spread, drawing the attention of both the media and curious onlookers, though no substantial physical evidence was ever found to support the claims of the miners.
Skeptics have proposed several theories for what happened, suggesting that the miners may have encountered bears or that the whole event was either exaggerated or entirely fabricated. Nonetheless, the story has become a key part of the legend of Bigfoot in the Pacific Northwest.
In subsequent years, “Ape Canyon” became a popular place for Bigfoot enthusiasts and researchers. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the Ape Canyon attack continues to be a topic of interest and speculation among those fascinated by the legend of Bigfoot.
Sightings and Stories
Beyond the infamous 1924 attack, the mysterious disappearance of Jim Carter in 1950 adds another layer to the Ape Canyon legend. Conflicting reports about his age and the circumstances of his disappearance deepen the mystery. The area continues to be a hotspot for Bigfoot enthusiasts, with ongoing reports of sightings, photographs, and eyewitness accounts fueling the legend and drawing visitors and researchers alike.
The Trail and Its Attractions
For those eager to tread where legends roamed, the Ape Canyon trail beckons. Renowned for its scenic beauty, the trail meanders alongside the Muddy River lahar flow, revealing breathtaking views and vibrant wildflowers around the 4-mile mark. As hikers progress to the 5.2-mile mark, the path steepens, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience, with options to extend the journey at the trail junction. Nearby, the Lava Canyon Trail #184 presents a less demanding hike leading to a picturesque waterfall.
Research and Documentation
Marc Myrsell has played a pivotal role in demystifying the history of Ape Canyon. His extensive research, which included delving into old newspaper articles, maps, mining documents, and photographs, uncovered the long-lost site of the cabin. His efforts were recognized when his publication, ‘Mountain Devil! The 1924 Ape Canyon Attack and its Aftermath,’ won the prestigious Washington State Library Zine Contest in 2019.
Conclusion
Ape Canyon offers a unique blend of natural splendor and mysterious folklore, making it a captivating destination for hikers, history buffs, and paranormal enthusiasts. Whether drawn by the call of the wild or the allure of the unknown, visitors to Ape Canyon are in for an experience that bridges the past with the present, inviting them to explore the enduring legends of Sasquatch amid the shadows of volcanic majesty.
References
- Did You Know? Ape Canyon Trail. (2019, November 24). The Mountaineers. https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/did-you-know-ape-canyon-trail
- An Ape-tley Named Legend: 99 Years of Ape Canyon. (2023, July 16). Black Beasts and Boogeymen. https://blackbeastsandboogeymen.com/2023/07/16/an-ape-tley-named-legend-99-years-of-ape-canyon/
- Bonus: I Fought the Apemen — Believer. Believer Podcast. https://believerpodcast.com/transcripts/bonus-i-fought-the-apemen
- Bigfoot Found! Bigfoot photos and sightings at Mt. St. Helens near Ape Caves. Mount St. Helens. http://mountsthelens.com/bigfoot.html
- Mountain Devil! The 1924 Ape Canyon Attack and its Aftermath – Sasquatch The Legend. Sasquatch The Legend. https://sasquatchthelegend.com/blogs/latest-news/mountain-devil-the-1924-ape-canyon-attack
- Ape Canyon – Wikipedia. (2004, April 8). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ape_Canyon
- MSH Eruptive History, Ape Canyon. Oregon State University.
