The Olympic Peninsula, in the upper left corner of Washington state, has the highest population of Sasquatch that I have heard about in over 40 years of being a Sasquatch investigator. The interactive map at the bottom of my homepage shows a few reports of encounters, tracks and vocalizations we have come across in the last year. I’m Tom Sewid, a resident of Forks, WA, a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation, and a recognized Sasquatch investigator.
A towering, elusive figure, Sasquatch is also known as Bigfoot, or Dzoonakwa in the native language of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation in British Columbia. The North American Indian tribes, who have called the Olympic Peninsula home for thousands of years, all have different names for the large hair-covered, bipedal creatures they have shared their homelands with. Their cultures are rich with stories and legends of this human-like giant, and often Sasquatch is still depicted in their art.
One can find native and other art of Sasquatch throughout the peninsula. Each year the Olympic Peninsula is gaining more notoriety as a place that is synonymous with Sasquatch a.k.a. Bigfoot.
I manage the largest Sasquatch store and museum in Forks called Sasquatch The Legend. I also offer Sasquatch expeditions. A week does not go by without someone coming in to give me a report about Sasquatch. During the busy summer season of 2024, at least two or three people visiting the peninsula stopped by each month giving a report of seeing a Sasquatch crossing the road or being observed on the side of a hill.
Local sport fishermen and raft guides often come across tracks, hear things, or the odd time will see Sasquatch. If one wants to try and see a Sasquatch, going out with one of the rafting companies offers the best opportunity to, hopefully, have that close encounter of the hairy kind.
For those wanting to learn more, Season 6 of Discovery Channel’s Expedition Bigfoot was filmed throughout the Olympic Peninsula. This has increased recognition for “the upper left corner” as an Olympic Peninsula Sasquatch hotspot! You can check out this series at TravelChannel.com or stream it on Discovery+.
So, what is a Sasquatch? To most North American tribes they are referred to as “The Other Tribe.” They are described as human-like giants, often over seven feet tall, covered with hair or fur. Some say it may be a relic humanoid from whom we evolved. People often report in their encounter of seeing a Sasquatch that they expel a stench when they feel threatened. They’re said to have scent glands. We, too, have residual glands in this day in our armpits—hence, this is why we have body odor there when we’re in need of a wash.
Some Indian tribes refer to Sasquatch as a cannibal. This leads one to speculate that they are human, for only a creature eating its own species can be termed a cannibal. Yes, it’s said that some Sasquatch have been known to eat humans. Either way, the jury is out until we get some conclusive proof about what they are.
The Olympic Peninsula is quickly being recognized as the leading hotspot for Sasquatch encounters across North America. When visiting the upper left corner, be sure to be on the lookout for a large, dark hairy bipedal creature. One never knows when you will see one, so have your camera ready! And contact me if you have an encounter to share. My email address is below.
As this hairy beast becomes a regional draw, and you’re looking for Sasquatch on the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll find chainsaw artists, tribal artists and many stores catering to Sasquatch enthusiasts with merchandise. The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe east of Sequim has one. Port Angeles, Neah Bay, Ocean Shores and Forks are places to find Sasquatch merchandise as well. When you visit Forks, please stop by our museum and gift shop, Sasquatch The Legend.
Written by guest blogger Tom Sewid
Tom Sewid is considered one of North America’s leading Sasquatch specialists. He’s a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw Tribe from Northern Vancouver Island where Dzoonakwa/Sasquatch is his tribe’s highest ranked crest. Having spent a lifetime as a commercial fisherman throughout British Columbia, living in the bush and being a hunting guide for grizzly bears for decades, he has vast understanding, insights and experiences of being around Sasquatch. Email Tom at tom.sewid@gmail.com for more information. Photography courtesy of Tom Sewid.
Banner photo courtesy of Forks Chamber of Commerce.
Looking for Sasquatch on the Olympic Peninsula? See what events coincide with your trip.
