Bigfoot trap

The Bigfoot trap is a wooden structure in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest built from thick planks bound together with metal bands. Telephone poles stand at each corner, and a large steel door remains open to allow visitors inside the enclosure.

The structure was built in 1974 following a local miner's discovery of large footprints near his property in the area. The construction represented an organized effort to investigate the sightings that had generated interest throughout the region.

The structure embodies the Pacific Northwest's deep connection to Bigfoot folklore and how this legend shapes the region's identity. It draws visitors who come to witness a tangible link to stories that have captivated local communities for generations.

Visitors can reach the structure through a short hike starting from the Collings Mountain trailhead. The trail can be muddy or overgrown depending on the season, so sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are helpful.

During its years of operation, the trap caught bears and other animals that wandered inside, but never the creature it was built to capture. This irony has turned the structure into a humorous reminder of how the legend continues to elude proof.