The Hidden Beasts of Washington: Cryptids and Creatures of the PNW
Imagine strolling through the misty forests of the Pacific Northwest or cruising the waters of Puget Sound, only to encounter a shadow lurking just beneath the surface or a strange figure hiding between the trees. Could it be the legendary Tacoma Narrows Octopus, with tentacles large enough to drag ships under? Or maybe it’s the bat-winged terror known as Batsquatch, soaring through the night sky near Mount St. Helens. From the deep, dragon-filled waters of Lake Chelan to the towering forests that hide Sasquatch, Washington is home to some of the most spine-tingling, mind-boggling creatures you’ve never seen. Whether you’re a cryptid believer or just love a good tall tale, join us as we dive into the folklore, myths, and elusive sightings of Washington’s most legendary beasts!
Tacoma Narrows Octopus: A massive, legendary octopus said to lurk beneath the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington. Some claim it is the largest octopus in the world, with tentacles capable of pulling ships underwater. The legend gained traction around the mid-20th century, though sightings have always been rare and speculative. It is rumored to inhabit the depths of Puget Sound.
Lake Chelan Dragon: A large, serpentine lake monster that allegedly inhabits Lake Chelan in Washington State. Stories began circulating in the early 19th century, and in later reports it is described as having the “legs and body of an alligator, the head and eyes of a snake, a scaly tail, and bat wings.” Divers and local residents claim to have witnessed disturbances in the water or seen parts of the creature surface, though no one would want to get up close to this terrifying monster.
Gumberoo: A strange, bear-like creature that is “completely hairless except for a bushy beard and thick eyebrows.” The Gumberoo is said to be nearly indestructible and has a ravenous appetite, capable of devouring anything in its path. It’s primarily associated with dense forests in Washington and Oregon, though sightings are rare.
Cadborosaurus (Caddy): A sea serpent-like creature said to inhabit the waters off the Pacific coast, particularly near Cadboro Bay in British Columbia. It was first sighted in the 1930s and is often described as having a “long neck and a head like a horse, with a body that could easily be over 20 feet long.” Sightings of Caddy continue along the Washington coast, though physical evidence remains elusive.
Sasquatch (Bigfoot): A giant, ape-like humanoid that has become one of the most famous cryptids in North America. Reports of Sasquatch sightings date back to Native American folklore, though modern sightings gained attention in the 1950s, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Bigfoot is typically described as a tall, bipedal creature covered in dark hair, roaming remote forests from Washington to California and beyond.
Batsquatch: A large, bat-like cryptid with glowing red eyes and leathery wings, said to be around 9 feet tall. It was first reportedly sighted near Mount St. Helens in 1980, following the volcano’s eruption, and is believed to inhabit remote mountainous areas of Washington. Some accounts describe it as a winged Bigfoot, with features resembling both a primate and a bat.
Dzunukwa: A figure from Kwakiutl mythology, Dzunukwa is described “as a towering, clumsy, wide-mouthed, hairy woman with deep-set eyes and an appetite for disobedient children.” Though she is often seen as fearsome, she may “be moved to generosity and kindness.” Dzunukwa’s legends have long been passed down in Native American oral traditions in the Pacific Northwest and may be “better known by her Chinook name, Sasquatch.” She is more mythological than cryptid, representing the dangers of wandering too far into the forest.
Tree Octopus: A fictional cryptid created as part of a study in 1998, the “Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus” is said to live in the temperate rainforests of Washington. Described as an octopus that can survive out of water, climbing through trees and preying on small forest animals, it became an example of internet misinformation, although it remains a beloved faux-cryptid among enthusiasts. The original website is still available. Save the tree octopus!