Oregon Bigfoot Trap

Southern Oregon is home to what is believed to be the only Bigfoot trap in the entire world. The trap was built in 1974 by the North American Wildlife Research Team (NAWRT). They built the trap in response to claims by Perry Lovell, a miner who lived near the Applegate River, who claimed to have found 18-inch-long human-like tracks in his garden (Ludington Daily News. November 16, 1992. p. 12.). The NAWRT hoped that the large trap they built might catch such a creature, however, the Sasquatch was severely underestimated and has never been caught to this day.

The trap is no longer in use, but is overseen by the Forrest Service who preserves it to keep its unique legend alive.

The Bigfoot trap is just a short hike on Collings Mountain Trail, which is located on Upper Applegate Road. The hike includes an easy ½ mile hike to an abandoned miner’s claim, then another moderate walk on the dirt trail to the trap (trap is nearly visible from the abandoned claim)

Direction: Take highway 238 from Jacksonville heading towards the Applegate Dam. Turn off highway 238 onto Upper Applegate Road and head towards Applegate Lake. Look for Collings Mountain trail sign on the right side of the road. There is a pull out area on the right side of the road that is often used for parking.

Be sure a watch for poison oak along the trail, as well as for any sign of Bigfoot, who has allegedly been seen several times in this area.

Tip: The Applegate Store on highway 238 is a great place to stop before or after your adventure. Grab snacks, drinks, picnic supplies or sit down for a meal in the diner (they serve dinner 7 days a week)